A "Rosemary-ism"

Isms--we all have them. You know, those things we say that encapsulates a life philosophy or ideology you hold dear. For me, I want to live out the kind of ideology that moves you forward, spurs action, examines life. I avoid the negative isms that creep into my mind.

My Rosemary-ism for today is “joy-point.” This Rosemary-ism is defined as, "a person, time, experience, or place that when remembered, spreads a smile across my face and a God-encouragement to my soul."

So, you can imagine my grateful heart when via Facebook, a young friend out of my past wished me a Happy Mother’s Day. Unexpected, treasured…a joy-point. This particular joy-point has a name—Lindsey. Over the years Lindsey has come to my mind at just the right time—usually resulting in a good laugh at the memories that thoughts of her invoke. Lindsey was in junior high school when I cheered her on as she excelled in basketball, playing for the junior high my daughters attended. I loved her then—her spunk, her genuine spirit, her love of life. And now, 20+ years later, Lindsey grew to be a wonderful mother, teacher, and coach.  She is a joy-point in my life.

I am so grateful for the legion of joy-points God has placed in my life—the people, places, and experiences of my past that give rise to snippets of memory that surface at unexpected times. Unexpected at least, from my perspective. Joy-points continue to amass as God uses people in my life today to fuel the joy-point center of my soul for the future.

Embrace your joy-points. Don’t let a day pass without thanking God for the joy He brings you through His love—the ultimate joy-point!