Day 6, January 6

Our ward (congregation) is an older one, made up primarily of empty-nesters.  Recently, a few younger families have moved into the ward, bringing with them babies and toddlers.  Yesterday at church, we heard from some of these babies.

Coos, gurgles,and  the occasional squeal provided a counterpoint to the sacred music and the voices of those bearing their testimonies.  It was wonderful, for I love the sounds of these youngest of God's children.

I wondered why I should so delight in these sounds and speculated if it could be that these innocent spirits have so recently come from heaven where they lived with the Father and bring with them His spirit. Could it be that their seemingly incoherent burbles and cries are their language in telling us of the place where they had resided up until their birth?  Are they trying to tell us of the Father and of His Son?  And we, sophisticated adults that we are, fail to comprehend this special language?

It's something to ponder.

Joy for the day:  the sounds of babies, the utterances of angels.

Day 2, January 2

Yesterday I touched on the differences between happiness and joy.  We sometimes think of them as synonymous, yet they are distinct in important ways.

J.P. Miller, a popular Christian author during the 19th Century, penned the following:

"Joy is deeper than happiness.  Happienss is the fruit of propserous conditions.  It is the outcome of fortuitous circumstances.  Joy is independent of circumstances.

"Happiness laughs when the sun shines--but grows sad when the glouds gather.  Joy sings on in all weathers and all experiences."

Joy for the day:  a song in my heart even when the sun fails to appear.

Day 1, January 1

I had a deja vu sensation when I typed "Day 1, January 1."  It took me back to three years ago when I started this project.   The last three years have been a  journey of sorts.  And that's what we're going to talk about this year:  a journey, specifically, "Joy in the Journey."

You'll find that the subject matter hasn't changed much.  For, as I wrote previously, joy and gratitude are often symbiotic.  I have joy in my family, in my friends, in my faith, and in whatever purpose I am currently pursuing.

I could not help but reflect on the difference between joy and happiness a week ago as Larry and I spent Christmas morning with our daughter's family and watched as her children (and we older children) opened mounds of presents.  There was happiness, certainly.  But happiness doesn't not always equal joy.  The joy came when we saw the pleasure in our grandchidlren's eyes as they opened a particuarly longed-for gift.

I hope you'll join me this year as we explore the sources of joy.  I invite you to chime in with what brings you joy ... and what doesn't.

Joy for the day:  the start of a new journey.