J-O-Y

Down in my heart, deep, deep, down in my heart! SPELL IT! Anyone else remember that song? 

No? Ok, nevermind...

I've been thinking a lot about joy lately. What it is, where it comes from, how to get more of it. 

According to Mr. Webster, joy is...

1 a: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.

I must say, my life is pretty good these days. I'm married to my best friend, we live in the same town {which, believe me, after a long-distance relationship is something that shouldn't be taken for granted!}, I have a well-paying job {that is actually in the career I trained for}, I have two adorable dog-children {who can always brighten my day}, and I have many friends and family who love and care for me. 

So, the question is... where is my joy?? Why am I not bouncing off the walls with joy??

My biggest lesson lately: JOY IS A CHOICE. That's right, a deliberate decision. 

It's not something that simply happens. Don't let Mr. Webster fool you folks,  just because all the pieces are falling into place, doesn't automatically qualify you for the joy ride {see what I just did there?}.

Because you know what? I could add a "but..." statement to all of those positives I mentioned above. Statements that would make me feel sorry for myself, and discredit all those blessings the Lord has put in my life. 

I have to decide each day to be grateful for what I have and look past all those not-so-greats. 

And you know what? I haven't been very good at it lately.

I was recently looking for reading plans on YouVersion to help jump-start my Bible reading {something else I haven't been very good at lately} and found the perfect fit: A Jolt of Joy! It's a short plan that's all about, you guessed it: joy. Already, I have been inspired by this reading plan {and I'm only on day 3}, the first day's reading reminded me of this truth: "In His presence is the fullness of joy." Psalm 16:11

Joy is a choice we need to make everyday, but the only way to have true, lasting joy is through a relationship with our Savior. I have so many things to be grateful for, so many reasons to be joyful. 

But I haven't been. That's gotta change! 

Proverbs 31:12