Find Your Joy
The old saying goes, “beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.” And while I agree, I also believe that joy lies in the eye of the beholder. And the heart, too.
I started a challenge, cleverly entitled, Carey’s Christmas Challenge on my personal Facebook page. I’ve challenged my friends to post something each day that gives them joy. It’s hard to focus on something that makes you happy when you are focused on finding that perfect gift for that special someone or another Christmas task. Each day so far, my friends have posted everything from pictures of grandchildren, Christmas trees, a text from a deployed soldier, cute kitchen utensils and a lot more! I look forward to seeing what my friends will post each day.
It doesn’t have to be anything big, it can be something simple. The only criteria is that it has to bring a smile to your face or even to your heart. It can be a walk during a snowfall, my personal favorite, the world just feels so much quieter when it’s snowing. Or maybe soaking up some Vitamin D in a sunny window. A nap with a beloved pet or another favorite of mine, art from a child.
I was recently gifted a homemade Christmas card from one of the children in my ministry. He ran up to me last week and presented it to me and because I was really busy, I thanked him and put it aside to read later. One of the older children picked it up and started reading it to me. I stopped what I was doing and listened to the words that this little boy took the time to sound out all on his own. I approached the little boy and asked his permission to hug him and he happily obliged. He lit up when I told him that his Christmas card was the best part of my day. It truly made me so happy and filled my bucket up.
When the children that came to the front for the Children’s Message this past Sunday after the Joy candle was lit on the Advent wreath, I asked them, “What gives you joy?” Answers ranged from a beloved pet, family, friends and exercise.
Different people see different things and that’s ok. If it makes you happy, so be it. Take a moment or two each day and find your joy. You’ll be glad you did.