Entering this third week of Advent and its theme of Joy, I am struggling to unpack this tiny word. It feels so important, and so universal to the longings of our human hearts, and yet it so hard to describe.
It’s kind of like happiness. But not exactly.
Happiness is more like a state of mind, while joy is a state of being.
Happiness happens to us, while joy happens inside of us.
Happiness comes and goes, while joy can take up permanent residence.
Happiness depends on outside circumstances, while joy is an inside job.
Maybe joy is both a choice and a practice. Life is hard, and will always be a mixture of the good, the bad, and the seriously ugly, but in the midst of it all, I am learning that I can choose joy anyway. I can practice joy no matter what.
Rather than try and unpack its meaning, maybe I’ll just wrap my arms around this tiny word and hold on for dear life.
Want to join me?
Tiny Joy Vase: Beanpole Pottery