Finding the Skip in My Step: How God Restored My Joy Through Creativity, Connection, and Calling

Recently, my three-year-old daughter and I walked to the park a block away from our home. She rode her pink bike with training wheels as fast as she could down the sidewalk, screeching into the park and stopping at the gazebo next to the playground. We were quickly met by another mom and toddler whom we had not met before. My daughter had asked me to pack some of the bubbles she had received in her Easter basket for our time at the playground that afternoon. As she pulled the wand out of the bubble solution, she pursed her lips, and bubbles began to form and float. The other child squealed and chased the bubbles as each floated up into the air.

I love the enthusiasm that children seem to carry for life, especially in a small child experiencing something for the first time. Over the years, simplicity is interrupted by life’s complexities, and joy tends to elude us. The word enthusiasm comes from the Greek roots en and theos — literally meaning “God within.” True enthusiasm is not manufactured positivity; it is the overflow of a life filled with God. This kind of life is in stark contrast to one that is apathetic or bored, but is one that is actively engaged and fully participatory in bringing God’s will on earth. 

One morning, the Lord reminded me during my prayer time of a memory from my young adult years. Early marriage, on a visit to see my mom in another state, I overheard a conversation between my husband and mother. “Have you ever noticed Ashley skips when she is excited?” My mother asked my husband. I was immediately embarrassed as I listened to their conversation from the other room. Self-conscious because I didn’t even perceive in myself that I was a skipper. I resolved in myself to be more mindful and not skip.

This month marks 20 years of marriage for my husband and me. Somewhere along the way, I realized I had lost the skip in my step—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. Just as in marriage, you have to continue to pursue your spouse and grow in your relationship, so too must we continue to ignite passion in our relationship with God. 

Yes, I was still spending time in my Bible, in prayer, and in relationship with Him, but I had lost excitement for what He was doing in and around me. If I am being honest, I had gotten bogged down with current events and even some tough mom moments. 

So, how do we restore enthusiasm for God and life?

Abiding Restores Joy

John 15 promises not only that I will have a fruitful life if I abide in Christ, but also that my joy will be complete. Listen, like most Christians, I understand that my life bears God’s fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control) only when I am connected to God and have made my “home” in Him. When we are home with people, our tribe, we interact with them all day long. Prayer isn’t a one-time daily event at the beginning, end, or prior to a meal; it is meant to be a continual conversation throughout our day. As we talk with God, His fruit will be evident, and in turn, He will give us joy! We are promised a liberal amount of overflowing joy.

Creativity Restores Wonder

God himself is Creator, but he also made us to have imagination and to create. God breathed life into Adam. This breath of life signified not only life itself but also intellect, inspiration … creativity. We were not made to just exist, but to first imagine and then create. God imparted His life and knowledge so that we, His image bearers, here on Earth, begin to create as our Creator had done and continues to do. We are the fingerprints of God. 

Rebecca Lyons, in her book Rhythms of Renewal, says, “Imagination precedes creativity. In other words, if we cannot imagine well, we limit our potential for new creative ideas and live constrained by old rhythms. When we break out of the cycle of drudgery and focus on creating memories with those around us, we start to find the wonder in life.”When I bake bread, paint with my toddler, or spend an hour writing a blog post, I am exuding creativity. When I take a moment to carve out time to connect with those around me or create something, whether a new recipe or a craft with my child, I begin to feel life and joy return.

Sometimes in my walk with God, I find myself becoming dutiful and checking off tasks on my to-do list. I miss out on fully enjoying who God created me to be or what He has created for me to enjoy. This requires me to not just read the Bible, but to ask God to lead my day.

People Restore Purpose

God deeply loves people because they are created in His image. I should have the same passion and enthusiasm for connecting. When I focus on others, my purpose returns. God in the garden calls Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. Jesus echoes the same purpose for his followers to multiply by making disciples.Those nearest to me are my direct disciples when I live intentionally for God. In this season, my disciples are my children and the women I lead in ministry. Making disciples requires intentionality in helping believers mature in their relationship with God. This is done through training, teaching, and just doing life together.

Serving Restores Passion

In Luke 17:20–21, Jesus tells the Pharisees that the Kingdom of God is not something people can physically observe, saying, “The kingdom of God is in your midst.” When we accept Christ, we carry both His Spirit and His Kingdom with us wherever we go.

Because of this, our lives should reflect Him. We were given the Holy Spirit not only to comfort and guide us, but also to help us witness and serve others in His name. Sometimes we imagine sharing our faith must be complicated or confrontational, but often it begins with a simple, genuine connection.

On park dates or daily errands, I try to pay attention to the people around me. A conversation can begin with ordinary questions: Has your family lived here long? What do you guys enjoy doing for fun? Small moments of kindness and curiosity often open doors to deeper conversations about faith, encouragement, and hope.

But serving God’s Kingdom is not limited to words alone. Scripture calls us to be “zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14, KJV). As believers, we are meant to actively care for people in practical ways.

In both the church and military communities, I have seen beautiful examples of this kind of service. We organize meal trains, clean homes, babysit children, and support families during difficult seasons. As a busy mom, I’ve found that duplicating a meal for another family or welcoming extra kids into my home are simple ways I can serve. Ironically, adding a few extra children to the mix often lightens the atmosphere because my own kids gain new playmates, and joy fills the house.

If you are not in a season of motherhood, there are still countless ways to serve. A handwritten note, a plate of cookies, a phone call, or simply showing up for someone in need can reflect the love of Christ in meaningful ways.

When we participate in God’s work rather than merely observe it, something changes in us. Joy returns. Passion grows. We begin to experience the excitement of partnering with God in bringing His love to others.

Skipping Again

Maybe enthusiasm for God is not something we manufacture, but something we recover when we remain close to Him.

Lately, I’ve noticed something surprising. Every now and then, while laughing with my children or talking about what God is doing, I catch myself almost skipping again.

Perhaps childlike wonder was never meant to disappear after all.

Prayer

Lord, restore my joy and childlike wonder in You. Help me to stay close to You, serve others with love, and find delight in the life You’ve given me. Renew my passion, creativity, and purpose so that my life reflects Your goodness each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ashley

Ashley M. Higgins

Ashley is passionate about helping women thrive in their relationship with God and grow in their understanding of His Word. Through nine military moves, two deployments, countless training exercises, and seasons of infertility and adoption, she has learned to embrace life’s challenges as opportunities graciously given by the Lord. For more than 18 years, Ashley has served in nonprofit ministry through speaking, writing, and encouraging women in their faith. She lives in Tennessee and serves alongside her husband, Joe, an Army chaplain. Together, they have been married for 20 years and are raising their three children.

You can follow Ashley on Instagram or Facebook. Read her blog and find out more about Ashley on her website: https://www.ashleymhiggins.com