Despite feeling tired and longing to be home as I stood in line to grab dinner, I felt a nudge in my heart to turn around to talk to the lady behind me. She was several decades older than me, and the smile that emerged on her face when I started talking to her seemed to fill the entire place with joy. My heart filled with immediate joy.

The line was long, and I honestly was ready to be on my way. I could have easily let the thought of “turn around” pass by, but I couldn’t seem to let this one go.

There are times when I’m not feeling the most upbeat and just want to call it a day, but the wonderful Holy Spirit taught me something in that moment.

The Spirit and presence that is within us will prompt our hearts no matter our present feelings. When we’re close to the Father in a connected, day-to-day relationship, feelings will fade, and we’ll flow with the Spirit.

The kind lady behind me couldn’t hear well, so I helped her order. I told her dinner was on me and hugged her. My tired self felt renewed in my heart. Her big smile and joy warmed my heart, and I thanked the Father for always being present.

No matter what we endure or go through, God is ever-present. God still speaks to us even when we’re tired and ready for a break. Oh, how I want to be present for others even when I’m not sure if I have much to give in the moment.

In our weakness, God is our strength. In our tiredness, God is our renewal. And on those days that we need a hug, maybe God will send a saint along our path.

In God’s presence, the Spirit flows. He’s not looking for perfection or even ideal circumstances to move. The One within flows because of love. I can overcomplicate things in a matter of minutes, but when I pause to consider the power within my ordinary yet incredibly designed self, I allow God to move. God is always present and always moving. Jesus always invites us to come along with Him.

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones.

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

Our hearts are strengthened by the love of Jesus. The love of Christ is the heartbeat of joy. One turn can change everything. As we turn our eyes to Jesus every day, throughout the ordinary moments of our day, it welcomes in something more. It stirs us to listen to the Holy Spirit, and we become more aware of how His presence can change a room.

Jesus desires for us to abound in joy. When the day tries to zap my joy, I have to remember that I am alive in Christ. Fullness dwells where He dwells.

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

John 15: 11

I believe we can find lasting joy on this side of heaven. As I was reading and reflecting on the Word of God the other morning, joy welled up inside. It was that same joy that welled up inside when I sensed within me to turn around and talk to the lady behind me.

No matter what the externals are, we have access to so much joy internally. Jesus within us brings us joy, and the more we recognize that and become more aware of Him within us, the more joy blooms.

The presence of Christ is always there, and we experience much joy as we acknowledge His presence. May love pulse through us even when we’re tired, deep within, reminding us that our joy is always complete.