Day #4: A Name With A Story

Have you ever wondered how this little blog got its name?
A name is an important thing.

So important that God even changed the names of several of His followers
in both the Old and New Testaments.
Apparently, it is something that requires some serious thought.

Truth be told,

there was no great lightbulb moment when I came up with 'Gladness of Heart',

but I do feel it was something the Lord inspired.

See, I'm a wanderer, a dreamer, a romantic.

If I had my way, I would travel the world sampling the cultures and hearts

of the people of many nations; see the beautiful handiwork of God and man displayed in nature and architect,
and soak in the music, colors, and rhythms of other nattionalities.

But, as life really is,

I live in a tiny Texas 'village', transplanted from my beautiful northern roots,
and far away from anything exciting and cultural.

Let's just say I often have to submit my adventurous heart to God and trust Him with the details of my life.

It was upon one such trusting lesson that I came across these verses...

"This is what I have observed to be good:

that it is appropriate for a person to eat, 

 to drink and to find satisfaction 

in their toilsome labor under the sun

during the few days of life God has given them

—for this is their lot.

Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions,

and the ability to enjoy them,

to accept their lot and be happy in their toil

—this is a gift of God.

They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because

God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart."

Ecclesiastes

5:18- 20

 The Lord really impressed upon me that last portion:

'God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.'

He gives us the occupation of our hands,

and He has given us what we need to have gladness in our hearts, 
but the choice remains ours to find joy in where we are.

So really, this blog became a way of submitting to where God has me right now.

In a little place, living a little life....choosing to find gladness in it all.

Since then, 

this blog really has become a source of gladness for me,

giving me a chance to travel through my thoughts and writings,
 even connecting me with people the world over, people like you, who come by to read!

They say we grow into our names...and I'm glad of that. 

~~~~
I'm linking up at Anchored in Love Divine
for the Blog Everyday in February Challenge!