You can make room for JOY anywhere...10.14.26

I'm sitting on the patio at Sticks Icebox in McKinney, Texas, and I'm just taking it all in.

There are picnic tables with umbrellas, string lights hanging from poles, tire swings, soccer goals, and a basketball court. There's even this wide open space that almost looks like a trampoline, but I think it's meant for some type of sport.

And sitting here, I'm reminded of something so simple.

You can turn joy into anything. You can make space for joy anywhere.

So many people talk about spending thousands of dollars to turn their backyards into these beautiful oases. And don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with wanting a beautiful space. But at the end of the day, sometimes all you need is an old tire and some chains. A ball. A tree. And some kids who aren't afraid to climb it.

God, I'm just so grateful that I have kids who aren't afraid to be outside.

And I'm grateful that I had a parent who believed in kids being outside.

I was an outside kid. I grew up believing that as long as the lights were on, there was still time to roam, explore, and have a good time. There was something special about being outside with absolutely nothing planned and somehow finding everything to do.

And God, I pray that we make more time for that.

Because with our busy schedules, extracurricular activities, family obligations, and everything else we have going on, sometimes just going outside to play isn't even on the list anymore.

Not organized play. Not a practice. Not a scheduled activity.

Just play.

The kind where kids get to explore, use their imaginations, figure things out, and make up their own fun.

I pray that we make more time for those moments and that we learn to appreciate them while we're in them.

Because these are the things that look like memories.

These are the moments that get your creative juices flowing. The moments when you look around and think, Wow, this was fun. This was great.

And tonight, all of this reflection happened over a cheese quesadilla, mac and cheese, and a burger.

Nothing outrageous. Nothing extravagant.

Just a cool night, some food, some space, and an opportunity to enjoy being together.

And sitting here, I have a little prayer for myself.

God, I pray that one day I have the ability to support something like this in our area or that I'm able to create a space like this myself.

A place where children can just be children. Where families can gather without feeling like everything has to cost a fortune. Where kids can run, climb, play, laugh, and create memories. Where adults can enjoy themselves, too, without having to turn every outing into an event.

I believe we're making our way back to that.

Screens will not reign over us forever.

Kids will be kids again. And adults will be allowed to let kids be kids while enjoying being adults themselves.

I really believe that.

And God, while I'm sitting here being grateful for this space, I also want to thank You for something bigger.

Thank You for the opportunity to take my kids somewhere for fall break.

I don't take that lightly.

It's a really big deal to me to be able to travel, spend time with my children, see family, and create these experiences together. I know that not everybody has the opportunity to do that, and I'm genuinely grateful that I do.

And I know there were things that tried to get in the way of this trip happening.

But God, You didn't let those things stop us.

So thank You.

Thank You for the opportunity. Thank You for the memories. Thank You for the reminder that joy doesn't have to be expensive, complicated, or perfectly planned.

Sometimes, it's already right in front of us.

Sometimes, all we have to do is make space for it.

Amen.

-A