I'm linking up again over at Lisa Jo Baker's Five Minute Friday party.
Today's word is JOY. The only rule is that you spend 5 minutes writing (no editing) and post your thoughts on the prompt. It's been a fun writing exercise for me. So here goes!
__________
The word JOY elicits a wide variety of mental images—from
daily little moments like savoring a steaming cup of coffee or playing with a
pet to the monumental life events like getting married or landing a dream
job. I often equate joy with
happiness. But what about all the other
moments that encompass life? Traffic.
Long lines. Unfulfilled dreams. Longing
for more. Is it possible to feel joy
even when you do not feel happiness?
When I was a child, we used to sing a song with these
lyrics:
I’ve
got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart to stay.
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart to stay.
One of the lesser known verses to this joyful
chorus says:
I’ve got the peace that passes
understanding
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
I’ve got the peace that passes understanding
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
I’ve got the peace that passes understanding
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart to stay.
Perhaps it is better to equate true
joy with the peace that comes from knowing Jesus deep down in the corners of
our heart—the corners that tend to be neglected in attempt to remain “happy” on
the surface.
I would prefer to feel authentic
joy deep down even in the moments of spilled coffee and traffic jams—even when
it hurts—than to walk through life never knowing true joy even in the happiest
of moments.
I love where you say "Perhaps it is better to equate true joy with the peace that comes from knowing Jesus deep down in the corners of our heart—the corners that tend to be neglected in attempt to remain “happy” on the surface." and "I would prefer to feel authentic joy deep down even in the moments of spilled coffee and traffic jams—even when it hurts—than to walk through life never knowing true joy even in the happiest of moments." It's so true and so real! God bless you and I thank Him for His Grace on your life and for your heart! <3
ReplyDeleteThank you! I appreciate your kind words. :)
DeleteYou write from the heart. I like that! I am still searching those deep dark corners of my heart looking for peace and joy!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Paula! Keep searching...God knows all our "corners" well and loves to bring light into darkness!
DeleteI've got the wonderful love of my blessed redeemer way down in the depths of my heart.. :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I realized I never did respond on the "crowd" post. In one sense, YES, I feel it so much more here (i.e. the physical proximity of people on the train, ect.), but in another way I feel LESS crowded. We were committed to so many things at home (all good things, but we probably should have used more wisdom in what we said "no" to). Anyway, it's been so nice up here to just have more freedom and it's really brought a lot of peace to my life and made my mind feel less jumbled.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand what you mean. "Crowd" has layered meanings. I'm so glad to see you settling in and enjoying it. Congrats on your successful subway experience yesterday!
Delete