The Giggles of Grace | Soft Tissues & Smiling Jesus

Have you ever noticed how a young child runs? It’s not a jog, not a walk – it’s a full-on, arms-pumping, unrestrained sprint! They don’t worry about how their hair looks or if their socks match. They simply see something that excites them, and they run. They run towards a parent, a friend, or anyone who will share in their joy.

That’s the kind of uninhibited enthusiasm Isaiah 40:31 describes: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” We are invited to come to God with that same childlike expectancy, not just in times of worry or need but in times of pure, overflowing joy.

Imagine this

You’re having a perfect day. The sun is warm on your skin, the birds are singing, and your iced tea tastes precisely how you like it. In that moment of pure happiness, wouldn’t it be amazing to run to Jesus, just like you would run to a loved one? To tell him all about your beautiful day and to thank him for the little things – the sunshine, the birdsong, even the soft tissue you used to wipe away a happy tear.

Because, you see, He loves those moments too. He delights in your joy! He’s the one who created the sunshine, the birdsong, the perfect glass of iced tea. He’s the one who provides the little things that make life so beautiful. And He wants you to share your excitement with him, just like a child running to share a new discovery with a parent.

Expanding Our Relationship with Jesus

Think about it this way. Our relationship with Jesus shouldn’t be confined to a dusty corner reserved only for burdens and anxieties. He longs for a vibrant, all-encompassing connection. He wants to be the first person you share your victories with, the one you thank for the everyday blessings that often go unnoticed.

I’ve been trying a mind shift to do just that. It’s about creating a more complete picture. Just as a child doesn’t run to their parent only when they’re hurt or scared, we shouldn’t compartmentalize our faith. True joy comes from embracing every aspect of life with Jesus, the good, the bad, and the seemingly insignificant.

A Symphony of Joy and Sorrow

Imagine life as a grand symphony. There are moments of stirring crescendos, triumphant victories, and overwhelming joy. But there are also somber passages, moments of quiet reflection, and even heartbreaking melodies of sorrow. A well-composed symphony wouldn’t be complete without all these elements. Our relationship with Jesus is similar. It’s richer, more beautiful, and ultimately more fulfilling when we bring him the full range of human experience – the joyous triumphs alongside the tearful struggles.

A Joyful Transformation

I like that Jesus gets my silliness, too. Opening ourselves up to this kind of uninhibited joy in Jesus can be transformative. It can lighten our burdens, shift our perspective from worry to wonder, and fill our days with a childlike sense of awe. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect or ignoring challenges. It’s about acknowledging His presence in every season, finding joy in the ordinary, and running to Him with open arms, no matter what life throws our way.

All In All

Imagine Jesus’ face lighting up as you run to him, breathless and excited, to tell him about your day. Picture him wrapping his arms around you, a gentle chuckle escaping his lips at your unrestrained enthusiasm, silly and goofy even at your mismatched socks and ice cream sandwich yummy sounds. That’s the kind of connection we’re invited to have with him— a connection filled with joy, love, and a childlike dependence on his constant presence— no matter how old we are!

I’m linking up this month with these AMAZING Blog Hop/Link-Up party hostesses!