“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.” --George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950), Man and Superman
How’s that for a quote to kick off the week AND the month of March? I don’t know about you, but his words stir me to action! This month we turn our focus from the first Fruit of the Spirit, love, to the second one—JOY. In my preparation for the posts this month, I did a little research on the word joy, just to see what I came up with. One common thing that kept popping up:
Joy is in the doing, the experience.
Happiness is a fleeting emotion that comes and goes, while Joy is a state of mind, a way of being. Joy comes from the inside and is not brought about by outside stimuli. The people/things around us might add to that joy, but true joy—that state of being—comes from within. Mr. Shaw’s quote says true joy is in three things:
1. True joy is in having a purpose. Everyone is born looking for their purpose in life, where they fit in, why they’re here. Some people find it easily, others search for years. For me, it is in knowing that I am a wife, mom, and writer—it is my purpose to exemplify God’s love to these people and through my ministry.
2. True joy is in a job well done. Okay, so that’s not exactly what Mr. Shaw says. He says “being thoroughly worn out”, which given the context tells me it’s about completing a task knowing you gave 100%. Do we give our all all the time? Or are we merely shells wandering through life doing the bare minimum that is expected of us?
3. True joy is in being a force of Nature. I love this one. It ties in nicely with #2. A force of Nature is unstoppable. A person with this joy doesn’t let life get in the way. Too often, when things don’t go our way, when things go wrong, we shut down. We make excuses. We need to take charge of our lives, make examples of ourselves, and be the light in the world.
What does that have to do with us here at Encourage. Empower. Extend.? I’m glad you asked. People are naturally attracted to joyful people (not to be confused with overly perky). Joyful people are more positive, less self-centered, and possess that “it” thing that curiosity demands an explanation for.
More than all that, joyful people spread that joy around. The best joy is the joy that can be divided is a paraphrase of another famous quote. Despite what some may claim people want to be happy. Joy brings people together.
If joy is action and experience, what brings us joy?
Most people you ask will say family, friends, faith in the Lord. And there’s a reason. When we interact with those closest to us, our love is reflected and that stimulates joy. For me, I can’t beat a day hanging out with my husband and kids—whether it’s an afternoon at the beach or veggin’ in front of the TV on PJ day.
Love produces joy, they feed into each other, a big circle.
For your own reflection, what brings you joy, and why?
Amen, Ralene!!Joy comes with knowing who yoou are and Whose you are!! And, it only comes with doing what you are called to be and loving the ONE who gives it! Very few find tap into this secret but those that do, experience more than they ever bargained for.I am so grateful that my joy does not begin with me but rather outwardly in serving others. It is sad that the world teaches the opposite, to focus on yourself and get more for yourself, rather then understanding that joy is about giving of yourself!! There is no greater joy. I pray that EEE will help encourage that this month and that joy comes abundantly! Thanks for the reminder, Ralene and may you find joy as you move into your purposeful position in Hawaii!
ReplyDeleteNice slipping in my purpose here in Hawaii. lol... You know I've been struggling. Did I mention housing got extended again? Yep--Mar 9th now. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteI really like this post. I am reminded of the scripture that states it is for freedom he set us free. I believe that part of that freedom is joy. Part of Jesus sacrifice was to give us joy in the here and now/. We don't have to just toil away weary and beat up through this life: I have also found in my life when I struggle the most, usually Satan has attacked my joy as well. The joy of the Lord is our strength. He if takes that then we are much easier targets. For me I have learned that I must purposefully focus in Christ. When I look at my surroundings I get discourages and lose my joy. But when I focus on him he gives me peace and joy!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouraging words!!
Ysic
Amanda