Joy
How much joy is in your life?
Sometimes, when you’re driving down the road, or sitting on the Metro riding home, or waiting for the bus, does a feeling of joy come over you? Do you pay attention to the feeling and recognize from what thoughts this joy came?
After 911, I reflected on how we Americans have not had to deal with unrelenting, daily terrorism in our lives. In comparison, most people in the world have terror woven into the “fabric of their existence.” I also wondered how terrorism on our shores would affect our ability to experience joy.
Joy adds a dimension and depth to our experiences and allows us to see them as rich and meaningful.
From what I’ve read about other cultures and from Pakistani and Lebanese friends, people whose lives are woven inextricably with terrorism, war, and threats to personal safety, still find a way to recognize the joy in their lives. My friends tell me that recognizing what they have to be joyful about is crucial to their well-being.
What brings us joy?
Do we recognize those people, events, and circumstances that offer us joy, and do we embrace it with enthusiasm and gratitude?
There are so many small things in life that can give us joy, if we but allow ourselves time and attention to experience the joy. Some things that can give us joy are: a meeting with a group of collaborative, witty, and dedicated people, a glance at a photograph of someone we cherish, a call from a loved one who lives far away, or even a holiday morning when we can sleep in.
Only you know those things that can give you joy, and only you can stop for a moment and recognize that feeling of joy.
It is like stopping the busyness of our lives to recognize God’s presence. “Be still and know that I am God.”
It is good for us to be open to joy and it is good for us to be open to God’s ever-abiding presence in our lives. We are always blessed by this openness.
Joy.
How much joy is in your life? How often do you allow yourself to experience the moments of joy that bless your life and deepen your happiness?
Posted by Mark McNabb at October 26, 2006 02:55 PM