Sometimes we approach joy as if we were taking a pop quiz. The art of joy requires more than one coat of paint.

When my son turned three, TJ graduated from the crib to an actual bed.

Solid wood beds cost a big chunk of money. Add in a super-hero boy, arms loaded with hotwheels and tinkertoy spears — and you’ve got a stressed out mom in the making.

So we settled on a lower cost, saner approach. We hauled a bed made out of “natural wood” upstairs and I was commissioned to hit Home Depot to pick out the perfect shade of honey.

In short order, I piled cans of wood stains into my cart, each promising tints in thumbnail images that looked menacingly alike. I was stuck on aisle 2 with a string of cans under my arms and in both hands, torn between too many colors.

My left brain would’ve probably self-imploded had it not been for the guy in a canvas store vest.

I walked out of the store semi-traumatized…

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…To read the rest of the story – click here to join me over at DaySpring’s (in)courage site, where today’s post is published.

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*Today’s 1/19/12 Topic*
Share your thoughts on the One Word: Joy. (This was one of the top 3 most chosen One Word for 2012!)

It’s not too late to share One Word God’s placed on your heart with the community here. (Click here to add your One Word for 2012.)

*Next Thursday’s 1/26/12 Topic: * Share your thoughts on the One Word: Adventure. (Adventure is the #1 of most selected One word in our community!)

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