Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit, and if we are going to be a bit more technical, well, LOVE is the fruit of the Spirit, and the other eight listed seem to merely be an explanation of what love is. On this website, let us focus on the JOY part.
So what is joy? Where can we find joy?
The last question is maybe easier to answer. And you can help me. How have you found joy?
Here are a few of my experiences of joy:
Joy found in an afternoon visit by fawns in the yard.
Joy found in meeting an old friend and finding that the relationship is still as good as ever or better
Joy!! found in a new baby girl!!
Joy found in being honored to care for Grandma!
Joy found in the net if you like the other “fish”in yours
Joy found in the tears as you say “good bye” simply knowing that these are precious friends or there were be no tears to shed!
Joy found in Jesus being the Friend who never has to say “good bye”- He is always here!
Joy found in doing a craft (sewing perhaps)
Joy found in an art, painting or music in my experience.
Joy found in discovering 9 Mile Creek in my back yard and falling into it on a hot August afternoon.
Joy found in taking my 90 year old mother to wade in it.
Joy found in seeing my 10 month old grandson light up to his grandpa!!
Joy found in returning to Eloise Butler Wild flower gardens- the site of our first date- for our 30th anniversary!
Joy found in a starry night shared with neighbors and a little telescope.
Joy found in a neighbor boy playing with mine.
Joy found in helping my sister decorate a wedding cake.
Joy found in seeing old friends.
Joy found in meeting new friends.
Joy found in a neighbor child bringing a handful of flowers.
Joy found in teaching and seeing eyes light up with understanding.
Joy found in a shared moment with a daughter or son… a moment where truth is appreciated
Joy found in a child clowning to bring happiness to other children
Joy found in singing a crying baby to sleep.
Joy found in sharing a meal with family
Joy found in hanging out the laundry in the warm summer sun
Joy found in reading a book
Joy found in memories jogged by photos
Wow, I see that this list can go on and on! That is wonderful!! Now I can count my blessings and my joys and let the Joys Jesus brings into my life be like a river and lift me up and carry me forward.
Surely you have a list you can add to this, and that will also jog my memories to more joy, so write away! I hope your own joy has increased with this posting.
And lots of love to you from Martha JOY Towner
