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