The Gift of Rejoicing

Seeing the sunset out of the plane window was a small source of rejoicing.. 

Positive Pensées

Kathy King

The Gift of Rejoicing

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things he has not, but rejoices for which he has.”

Epictitus

Joy, Jubilation, elation, and mirth.

Glee, ebullience, gladness, and great pleasure.

These words convey joy that is both small and beyond measure.

What brings you joy in a world full of gloom?

What little bits cause your spirits to bloom?

Find joy, spread joy, and peace.

Practice finding the joy in the littlest of things.

The wind on your face, or a sunny day.

The smile of the loved one.

The gift of grace. 

Joy is needed dear readers and friends.

Our world needs to find it, to embrace it, and spread much joy.

That way, when the gloom does come. 

You have a wellspring of joy.

Today is the third Sunday of Advent. My son and I are spending time in NY with our family. As we made our way to the airport, it was absolutely packed. It really has turned to pre world wide bug travel levels. I find that the airport is a study in human behavior. Some people are rushing like mad, others look lost, then there are those travelers who like to be places but not the means to get there. Sitting on a metal tube packed with people for a few hours is not the most fun thing to do. It is necessary to make it to those you love near or far. I wanted to complain and harrumph but then a thought came to mind. We have loved ones to visit. We have those in our lives who are so very happy to see us. That alone is a source of joy. The dictionary defines joy as a feeling of great pleasure or happiness. What brings you joy? It doesn’t have to be monumental. There are times that I believe that social media gives us the idea that everything is huge and monumental. I have written before about this very subject. Our lives are filtered, perfect, and without any struggle. When that little screen is not recording what really and truly causes you to have joy? I often wonder if we have lost this feeling as a society. To see someone else well and truly not having any struggles can be at times well, daunting. You wish to have the same calmness and verisimilitude in your life. Even if there is the filter of social media I would encourage each of us, (myself included) should develop rejoicing in the good fortunes of others. I am not talking about those who flaunt their wealth, etc.. but rather those in everyday life who are also quite honestly… to make it through the day.  What brought this to mind? A quote that I read by Pema Chadron: “Rejoicing in the good fortune of others is a practice that can help us when we feel emotionally shut down and unable to connect with others. Rejoicing generates goodwill.” If you can’t find joy for yourself, perhaps find it for others. Goodwill will produce something quite great, it will cause you to see what can bring you joy in your life. Our society has (not everyone) developed a, “Me! Me! Me!” attitude. It can be hard to find a reason to rejoice for others but in that willingness to change your attitude it might just produce joy in you. In this time of Christmas that is rapidly approaching, Joy is tantamount for the season. Why? The promise, the story, the scripture that tells of the coming of the Messiah brings joy. Why would He bring joy? Because as stated in the first week of Advent, He provides hope. Hope that things can and will get better. After that hope is stirred into the soul teapot, next comes peace. A sense of tranquility. It is possible to have peace in the midst of life’s struggles. If you have hope, peace and finally joy to mix into your soul you soul tea is steeping and almost ready to receive the Love that is the next product of faith. Keep stirring, keep adding those ingredients to your life and move towards a more joyful existence. 

My books are on Amazon!

The Quacktastic Adventures of Ellie and Lord Barks a Lot

The Case of the Missing Moo-Cow Bell

The Case of the Missing Bumbly Wumbly Bee

The Case of the Missing Wellies

The Case of the Missing Honk Honk

The Case of the Missing Ornaments

Clean it Up! Wash it Up!

Coming soon!

Appalachian Allegory: A Southern Novel

Buy me a coffee… pretty please… actually it would be a proper cuppa in my case. Thank you for reading! 

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