Joy. Feeling joy isn't something I'm used to. I've felt happy, jubilant, ecstatic, excited, cheery, optimistic, filled with love and filled with laughter, but up until recently I haven't had the privilege of experiencing joy.
I think joy is much different than happiness, even though the two can be considered the same thing. The distinction between joy and feeling happy is joy abides even when circumstances create feelings of discomfort, sadness or pain.
Yes. For five months now I've experienced joy in the depths of spirit regardless of my feelings and circumstances. Take today for example, I physically feel miserable because of seasonal allergies. I want to rip off my nose, I feel cranky and annoyed and I'm really tired. BUT, as I'm going about my day there is this constant feeling of blessedness. I feel so blessed.
And then there's Betty Albrecht's recent death. Her life and death have impacted me greatly. I didn't expect it and I certainly would like her to still be in our midst. Yet in my grief and my sorrow for her beloved family, I can sense a inner hope and joy, a reason to believe God is in His heaven and His Spirit is here on earth.
Today I am exactly where I want to be. I am doing exactly what I want to be doing. I am a wife and mother and most importantly, a child of God.
Jesus is the reason for my joy. His Spirit abiding in me makes me know in the depths of my soul, I am blessed.
