You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

– Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

A question was posed on a forum last fall about finding joy.  There were many wonderful, heartfelt responses.  I posted my own thoughts and shared them on Facebook, but I wanted to put them here so I could remember and find them.

After all, who can find anything on Facebook?!

• a life with lots of wiggle room (or margin) is more joyful,

•  a well-nourished body is more joyful,

•  a well-rested body is more joyful,

• a mind that’s curious, engaged, listening and pondering is more joyful,

• a soul that doesn’t seek to be offended and doesn’t over analyze comments and conversations in a destructive way is more joyful,

• a person who can adjust expectations to one’s reality is more joyful,

• a person who has compassion and empathy (rather than judgment and criticism) for and with those for whom life is challenging is more joyful,

• one whose life is defined by giving (rather than receiving) is more joyful, and

• one whose life is defined by gratitude (rather than entitlement) is more joyful.

Am I ALWAYS joyful? No, it sometimes evades me, but it’s never too far away to reclaim.  We have to be intentional and cultivate the rich soil of the soul so joy can grow.

Joy is not an escape from reality, but rather a  willingness to let God meet us and transform in the midst of whatever we might be facing in our life’s journey. 

That’s the truth about joy. It’s not a random state of being.  

So, how about you?  Are you experiencing joy in your journey?  Why not ponder ways that you can sow a few seeds of joy in your life this day?

I welcome your thoughts.