Joy is a Choice
In a world too often plagued by personal problems, a discordant society, and wars and armed conflicts, it is easy to descend into sadness or even despair. We need to recapture Joy as the antidote. Joy is a choice. We can mire ourselves in sadness or choose Joy instead.
How can we capture Joy? To the believer, the Psalms remind us that God is a refuge, a loving Father who will bring us peace of heart. He is always the loving Father who welcomes the return of the Prodigal Son or Daughter. In the words of the Christmas carol, “Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!”
For those who do not believe (and for believers as well), Joy is found in special moments to be savored and recalled - marrying the one you love, experiencing the birth of a child or grandchild, as well as everyday experiences such as the melody of a song bird in early morning, the red flash of a male cardinal flying by, the blooming of flowers in Spring, and many other epiphanies. We can recall these moments as a way to recapture Joy.
Live in Joy and dispel the darkness. It is your choice.
