Joy Full

​At an early age, I realized that one of my great joys was organizing groups for a good time. I was usually the one who said “I know! Let’s…”  Generally, folks bought in and I had the fulfillment of seeing my great idea happen, and I carried the brunt, burden, or balloon of happiness afterward.
These days, when the liturgy, music, and sermon all combine to make our worship service feel deeply meaningful, and (cherry on top) I see people moved emotionally, I have such deep satisfaction and joy.  It’s energy in my battery to be a part of drawing people into an experience of going deeper with God and themselves. 
I bet you can name something that is like this for you. Some activity, moment, way of being that is almost guaranteed to bring you deep fulfillment and satisfaction (AKA joy).  What is that for you?  If you haven’t found it, what are you waiting for? Time to treasure hunt! If you have found it, and now, life has made it impossible to do it anymore, there is still good news.
On top of the big joys, there are other ways to let joy have a place in our lives.  Here are some great suggestions from ChatGPT:
Manifesting Joy

1. Practice Gratitude: Start a daily gratitude journal. Writing down three things you're thankful for each day shifts focus toward the positive.
2. Celebrate Small Wins: Take time to recognize and celebrate small accomplishments—completing a task, showing kindness, or simply making it through a tough day.
3. Mindful Moments: Incorporate moments of mindfulness—pause to savor your coffee, feel the sunshine on your face, or breathe deeply.

Discovering Joy

1. Revisit Childhood Hobbies: Explore activities you loved as a child—drawing, dancing, or exploring nature. These often carry an innate sense of wonder.
2. Engage with Community: Volunteer or connect with groups that align with your passions. Relationships and shared purpose can be rich sources of joy.
3. Try Something New: Take a class, visit a new place, or try a new recipe. Novelty can spark joy by igniting curiosity.

Cultivating Joy

1. Invest in Relationships: Deepen connections with friends and family by spending quality time together and expressing appreciation for one another.
2. Create a Joyful Environment: Surround yourself with things that uplift you—photos, music, scents, or colors that spark happiness.
3. Reflect on Meaning: Consider what brings you a sense of purpose or aligns with your values, and prioritize those activities.

These suggestions offer something for everyone!  As we light the pink candle of Joy on Sunday, I hope you’ll come to that moment with a sense of where that light shines in your life. Hold onto it in this season of short days and barren landscapes. Joy is God’s breath blowing in your life.  Breathe it in!