Joy Part Two

 

This week we are turning toward, tending, and trusting the ways joy shows up in our lives.  We are trying to notice the people who help share joy with us.  We are lighting a candle called, “Joy” watching the flame dance before our eyes. 

 

Today, I invite you to engage in an activity that brings you joy.

 

This could be singing or listening to music.

This could be talking to a friend.

This could be painting, writing, walking, gardening.

This could be simply sitting in silence.

This could be shopping for your pastor.

 

I could not resist sliding in that last subtle suggestion because it brings me joy to make bad jokes in these Morning Meditations.

 

Sometimes joy shows up and other times we need to show up to that which brings us joy.

 

Re-read that last sentence please.  Sometime joy just shows up…other times, we must show up to that which can cultivate and create joy within us.  Steve Cuss encourages everyone to have a “Life-giving list”.  These are postures, places, people, events, and experiences that bring life or joy.

 

It could be things like playing guitar, being in creation, holding someone’s hand…

 

What brings you joy does not need to be justified or rationalized or intellectualized.  Accept and celebrate the ways you can cultivate and curate joy right now.  Or as author Henri Nouwen says, “Joy does not simply happen to us.  We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”

 

How might you intentionally and prayerfully and hopefully and peacefully choose joy today?