Fight to find the joy in everyday. (Aleisha)
Something popped up on Facebook yesterday that started me thinking. I can see you out there thinking that lots of things pop up on Facebook. Lots of everything. But this was a suggestion to, without taking time to really think about it, name three things you love. So I did. Grandkids. Walks with Oscar. Flowers.
But you know what? That was only a beginning. We’re not talking about the big blessings like a loving family although grandkids can fit under that family heading. We’re not talking about the blessing of a place to live and plentiful food on the table. We’re not talking God’s saving grace although the Lord is surely in many moments of joy. Let’s think about everyday moments when we’re surprised by joy. I still have to leave grandkids in there. Holding those newborn grandchildren and seeing their sweet smiles and then watching them grow up bring on plenty of moments of joy. So what are some others?
A spontaneous hug from a grandchild – that’s a moment of joy. A puppy waddling toward you. That is a flash of joy. Singing one of the old hymns at church and being surprised by the joyful wording of one of the verses. Seeing a butterfly or several butterflies on a flower. Passing a little child on the street or in a store and the child gifting me with a sudden smile. A couple seconds of joy. A mockingbird serenading from the top of a tree. Joyful. Catching a lightning bug. Joyful. Swinging high as the moon. Joyful. A cup of tea on a cool morning. Joyful. A card in the mail from a friend. Joyful. Stars in the night sky. Sparkles of joy. A sunrise or sunset bursting with color. Joyful. Going to feed the cows. Joy.
There was an article in the Parade Magazine this week that said research showed a moment of awe improved people’s moods. I don’t know why they needed to research that. I’ve been saying for years that part of the problems in the inner cities is that the people can no longer see the stars. I think the Lord intended people to see the stars. But more than stars were awe inspiring according to the authors of the study. Even a beautiful flower growing along the road can be a reason for a moment of joy. We just have to be alive to those moments of joy. Sometimes we can seek joy. Other times it just pops out of nowhere to bless you.
If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive. (Eleonora Duse)
What moments of joy lift your spirits?
Comments 6
Our ladies’ Bible study this month has been about joy! The source of our joy is our salvation through Christ! That gives us a joyful perspective for whatever may come our way! We don’t have an artificial “Pollyanna ” attitude, but an underlying, abiding joy that finds the best in little things and bigger things!Thanks be to God, who gives us lots to be joyful about– if we just recognize it. Thanks, Ann for asking us to put on our joyful “glasses”.
Author
I like that idea of putting on our “joyful glasses,” Paula. That’s a great way to put it. Also good to think about all our joyful gifts, big and small, and our joyful attitudes as coming from Christ.
This was a beautiful and great reminder of what joy fullness is about it makes you stop and think more about it thank you for this article I really enjoyed it
Author
Glad you liked the past, Rory. We often go through our day without noting all our joyful blessings, but the idea of counting our blessings is a good one to remember to put things in perspective.
And the best joy of all is the joy that comes from within.
Author
Indeed, Karen. And I think that sometimes those moments of joy you stumble across in your regular daily activities, like those sparkling stars or a beautiful sunrise, helps that inner joy surface.