Joy

Joy is one of my very favorite words.  Mama's favorite quote growing up was "Find your joy."  It's a word that I've prayed over a lot lately; finding joy is much easier said than done especially over the last few months.  Today's devotion from "Jesus Calling" really hit home for me.

"On some days Joy is generously strewn along your life-path, glistening in the sunlight.  Other days are overcast and gloomy; you feel the strain of the journey, which seems endless.  Dull gray rocks greet your gaze and cause your feet to ache.  Yet Joy is still attainable.  Search for it as for hidden treasure."

Everyone I know has gone through a time in their lives that was overcast and gloomy.  For me, this summer held very few bright spots.  A cancer diagnosis has nothing on watching my parents suffer and burying Mimi.  Even in the lowest of lows of our lives, we can rest in the fact that there is hope and joy.

I've come to realize that I control my own joy.  Being grateful and thankful and having an active prayer life help me feel more like myself.  Joy is still attainable.  I just have to search for it.