I’m a sunglasses girl. Always have been. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone told me I’ve spent half my life with a pair of sunnies on top of my head. In my humble opinion, they’re one of the most fun and versatile accessories, adding a little something, something to any outfit. 

Somewhere along the line in my college years, heart-shaped sunglasses started trending. I’m not always the first to jump on the latest fashion fads, but you can bet I wasn’t just on this bandwagon, but driving the bus and recruiting friends to hop in, too. 

This infatuation of mine has only grown since then. I have three different pairs of these love-laden glasses sitting in my bedroom, and I’m not totally sure there aren’t more in the closet. There’s nothing like that little pop of personality, excitement, and joy when I opt for heart frames vs. my still-cute-but-more-expected pairs of sunglasses. I feel wild, free, and fun when I pull them on. And don’t we all want to feel that way every once in a while?

Some people might say I’m too old for them. That I should’ve hung them up with my diploma and college days. Because after all, they are playful. A pair of heart-shaped sunnies doesn’t exactly scream, “Hi, I’m a serious adult ready for business and to take on the real world.”

But here’s the deal. 

Life is hard. I may not be the most seasoned woman in every room, but I’ve lived long enough to know the trials and tribulations Jesus speaks of are real. 

And. 

So is the joy He speaks of. I know enough to know I don’t want to sleepwalk through my days, waiting for things to get easy or calm before experiencing rich, life-changing, chain-breaking joy. The kind of joy that can’t be stolen from me or plucked away, even in a hard season. The kind of joy He promises me and you. 

I want to take Jesus at His word when He says in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy be in you and that your joy may be full.”  The suffering and sorrow are real, but so is the full joy. Not a half-baked happiness that leaves us dissatisfied and yearning for more, but full joy that feeds our souls and fuels our bones. 

I wear heart-shaped sunglasses, yes, because they’re cute, but also because it’s one way I kick the enemy in the teeth. No, he may not steal my joy. Yes, things can be hard, but this fashionable act is a small, rebellious, worshipful, delightful act to remind myself that God is good even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days.

Whether it’s heart-shaped sunglasses, your favorite playlist, a two-minute dance party, or saying yes to plans when you feel like saying no, I encourage you to find your diamond on the dark days. Your little inside communication with Jesus that lets you both know that life is hard, He is good, you’re doing your best, better days are always coming, but this moment here is pretty sweet, too. 

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P.S. A Love Letter to Jackets and What’s In My Makeup Bag Right Now.

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