Where is Joy?

It is such a pleasure to be able to write the things that weigh heavy on my heart. It is also a pleasure to write about the things that bring joy to my day. God’s word tells us there will be cloudy days and sun-shiny days, sort of. Isaiah 55:10-12 says, “For as the rain and the snow come down from the heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in JOY and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing and all of the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”

Here in the Carolinas, because you know I have creek-water in my veins and sand in my shoes, North and South Carolina are almost one and the same in my mind. The weather over the last two to three months has not been what most folks would call normal. My fingers itch to get outside in the dirt when its warm enough to go without a jacket. Unfortunately, the temps have plummeted to the point that young, tender vegetation has been impacted by frost. In order to protect these plants, I had to find every old sheet, piece of fabric, and blanket to cover them and protect them. It’s a lot of extra work. But, the effort is always worth it. These blossoms bring me joy. I usually get to share them with others and that brings me joy as well.

Now, this brings me back to my title, “Where is Joy?”. I find joy in being able to tend the earth, grow flowers and vegetables, cook meals for my husband, preserve food from my garden and share it. Crafting brings me joy. Taking one thing and adding to it or turning it into something else beautiful brings me joy. Grabbing my phone or camera and snapping a picture of a flower or butterfly or sweet face of a child brings me joy. These are things I do for myself. But there are other things that bring me joy that I have no control over. For example, when Lauren or Whitney or Deann sings a song at church, it fills me with joy. When Luke or Jake or Patrick prays and I want to shout “Amen”, it brings me joy. When my husband shows up with flowers unexpectedly, it brings me joy. When your hard work and efforts bring forth praises or notes of thanks unexpectedly, it gives me joy. When a song on the piano and organ brings you to tears, its tears of joy. When my grandchildren come running in the door yelling Grandma, my heart swells with joy. When someone around me reaches a milestone, achieves a major goal, starts a new adventure, I try to find joy in it for them as well.

The word “joy” is used over 180 times in the Bible. It must be important if it’s used that often. Do you find joy in those around you? Sadly, I did not always find joy in those around me. Often, I found jealousy, discontent, sadness and even anger that it wasn’t me. It took God to shake me up and let me know that there is joy all around me, if only I look.

Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines joy as the passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; the excitement of pleasurable feelings which is caused by success, good fortune, the gratification of desire or some good possessed…gladness; exultation. Joy is a delight of the mind. There are many other examples such as happiness and a glorious and triumphant state. Where do you find your joy? If we can’t find joy in others how do we find it in ourselves?

Luke 2:10 says, “And the Angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy, that will be for all the people.” Joy for all the people… that means joy for you and me! May you find joy in the most unexpected ways and in the little things today.