Living with a Heart of JOY!

Joy is one of those words that I knew the meaning of but I never let it fully resonate within me. As a new semester has started, and with it a new year, I have decided that I want JOY to mark my life. My favorite time of year is the time between Thanksgiving and New Years. One of the reasons that I like this time of year is because I still get that child-like happiness that comes with the season. Not because of the gifts, santa or no school (although all of those are exciting things) but because of the meaning that comes with this time of year (as well as the anticipation of snow too!). It is my new focus, especially this semester: I want to live life and this next semester focusing on having a joyful spirit. 


Dictionary.com defines joy as: "The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation." 


As I was walking to the gym this morning as the sun was rising, it dawned on me that that joy I live with is all because of Christ. HE is the 'something' that is 'exceptionally good or satisfying.' It is in Him that I find my completeness. I am content in being in relationship with him and him alone and for that, I get much joy. It is my goal this semester to live each and everyday with a new spirit of true joy! Instead of complaining about too much work or being stressed out, I am going to enjoy every day of this coming semester and year with new anticipation and hope! Life is too short to stress so much and I want to experience a joyful life in the environment that God has placed me in. 


Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart!" - There are a few things that I am hoping for this coming year and a few things that I desire...but instead of worrying about them, they are going on my mental 'daily prayer list' and I am choosing to trust that God will guide as He sees fit. Living a joyful life can be hard at times, but with God's help, I will be reminded that He is enough and He gives me reason to sing and be joyful!