So I've assigned myself this task of being grateful (You may have noticed.), and it's amazing.
Joy will change your life. Joy will change your responses (to your husband, to your children, to the weather, to pain...oh yes).
Joy is Jesus.
If you don't know this yet, let me just briefly explain in my oh-so-meager-and-humble grasp of theology.
Jesus came to earth and lived as a human and felt every possible thing a human can feel and never committed even one little sin, and then to top off this amazing feat, He died an excruciating death to pay for all the stupid and selfish sins everyone else should have to pay for so we can go to Heaven and be with His dad (the Creator of the universe), because He knew we'd never be able to pay for our own mistakes (and you can't visit His dad if you owe a debt, and believe me, you WANT to go see Him!).
If that doesn't fill you with joy then nothing will.
No thing on this earth will ever be perfect enough to fill you with joy and keep you there. There are beautiful things on this earth. Beautiful days, wonderful emotions, great people who will make you happy, but there is no reliable thing on this planet that will fill you with joy.
As absolutely gorgeous this planet is, and as much as I love the sunsets and turtle and flowers, it's the One who created them who absolutely blows me away and calms my wretched heart each day (hour, moment).
Some days (and seasons) hurt physically, spiritually, emotionally, and I could let that get me down, but if it all comes back to where joy is found.
Joy is not mine because I feel good or life is easy.
Joy is not chocolate (this may come as a surprise to some). Joy is not food or friends or even family. All those glorious things (gifts coming down from the Father of lights) are absolutely fantastic momentary delights--by all means, enjoy them!--but they're not lasting.
But my Jesus is. And as much earthly pain I (we you me ) may be experiencing, it can't compare. It can't win.
HE does not change.
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