What’s a Tour of Joy?

Have you ever had one of those days (or weeks) that was really rough? When it seems like you're being hit from every angle? Someone in your family is sick, your boss is being a pain, you haven't even started your taxes, and someone left a chapstick in their pocket and it went through the laundry. Those weeks where it seems like the world is out to get you. Before you know it, you start feeling sorry for yourself. That can be a depressing spiral if you don't catch it quickly enough.

I had one of those weeks. It wasn't pretty, and I felt justified in feeling sorry for myself and wallowing just a bit. That's when I decided to take a "Tour of Joy"! (yes, I just kind of made it up) I had cooked a large pot of Sloppy Joes, and I had baked a fresh loaf of Cinnamon Sour Dough bread. I could either eat my depression away or...I could think beyond myself and go bless some people. So the "Tour of Joy" was born. 

First, I took 2 tubs of Sloppy Joes and some buns to my daughter and her new husband to help make their time with the new baby easier. Then I took the bread over to a friend's house whose basement just flooded! Then I took more Sloppy Joes to my dad's place so he could have a hot meal. And you know what? I forgot about my issues for those few hours...and most of the day. 

I read a quote recently that said "As Christians, we’re not exempt from serving others because we’re going through a difficult season of life, but instead we’re called to lift our eyes heavenward and trust our sovereign God". Also, Romans 15 says, "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."

So next time you're starting to feel sorry for yourself or you're WAY too wrapped up in your own struggles, try a TOUR OF JOY and see how it helps you! (and the people you're serving!) ~Brooke