Me first. OOPS, me second.
I was never a JW, I married one instead. My perspective might be sligtly different than some of yours. I count my religious life as having started twenty-six years ago, when I literally ran in to the arms of God, escaping an abusive marriage. I would mark my Christian walk as being grateful and regularly re-examined. I feel God will not leave me alone in my delusion, but regularly challenges me to greater love, greater compassion, integrity maintained. As soon as I sit on my laurels, God challenges me again to grow in wisdom and understanding.
Though there's plenty of lip service to Christian maturity both in the evangelical church and with the Witnesses, in my experience people don't. Usually new converts have an early blush of zeal followed by years of rigid thinking, often falling in to their old habits shortly after baptism. This seems to fly in the face of Paul's concept of the "new man". For some reason I have never been able to get away with such shallowness.
So what gives me joy these days? Watching my granddaughter grow up. She is the fruit of two generations of loving parents, and she is a treasure. I would say love, growth, renewal, and family are the themes that inspire me these days. I like to garden for the same reason. I feel like the creator in the miniature, making my world more beautiful.
I probably spend more time on my friendships and my community than most folks. At least that's what showed up when I and my supervisors did a "pie chart" of our normal week. I typically spend two hours or more with my friends and my community church every week. My pastor has the concept that people should pick an assignment that matches their native ability and passion. So, though I am talented in many things, my assignment is what gives me joy. I spend several hours a month with my Sunday School class of five year olds. I love each and every one of them, and I celebrate their achievements with heavenly joy. My time with them is a highlight of my month.
Now, financially, I am likely far better off than if I were a Witness. My beliefs do not prohibit me from enjoying my work. My income surpasses my JW husband's many times over, and I have built up over twenty year's seniority with my company. I feel no guilt for doing well financially as a result of my hard work. He is holding out for an entry level job that will not interfere with meeting nights.
