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Happy Friday!
As another busy week draws to a close, I wanted to revisit a favorite topic–JOY!
It’s a subject that’s near and dear to my heart because joy is something I think we’re sorely lacking in day-to-day life.*
No, we’re not always going to feel at the top of our game. There will be days of indecision and times of defeat.
We’ll wallow in self-pity and mourn the would-haves, should-haves, and could-haves. That’s only natural and expected when we’re faced with disappointment and heartbreak.
The danger comes when we remain in that mindset too long.
I’ve noticed in my own life when I focus on the positive (yes–even when that seems so far out of reach), my thoughts begin to inch upward.
Still… I’m not going to fib.
Sometimes, it takes deep concentration and a lot of prayer for my mindset to turn around.
The good thing?
With Christ, all things are possible! (That includes the direction of our thoughts and the desire to change our circumstances and those of others for the better.)
Without further ado (not adieu), let’s get started!
Joy-Bearers Have Unique Traits:
- Joy-bearers strike negative words from their vocabularies. Words like no. Won’t. Can’t. Never. Not now. Instead, joy-bearers choose words like yes. We will. Can. Certainly.
- Joy-bearers are not limited by the tangible. We have faith in the intangible. (Hebrews 11:1) We recognize that God’s vision and direction for our lives and those we love isn’t dependent on our frailties.
- Joy-bearers seek opportunities. We make ourselves available. New possibilities excite us.
- Joy-bearers take leaps of faith. We realize that (healthy) risks are integral to growth.
- Joy-bearers spread the love. We’re the ones who quietly “pay it forward.” We go the extra mile when it would be easier not to.
- Joy-bearers enrich others. We willingly share our time, talents, and service. Being a blessing is our biggest motivator.
- Joy-bearers are intentional. We seek out ways to bless others. Doing the most with what little we have is our active mindset.
- Joy-bearers are approachable. We smile. We include. Our demeanors radiate the love of Christ.
- Joy-bearers are encouragers. We build up instead of tear down. We realize the power of positive thinking and the impact it can have on our sphere of influence.
- Joy-bearers forgive past hurts and move beyond them. We realize we’re not perfect. Ouch. Why should we expect others to be?
*You can read my original post here.
***
What additional traits might joy-bearers have?
Do you think it’s possible to be a joy-bearer in the midst of personal hardship?
PLEASE SHARE:
How many do you have? Top 10 traits of a joy-bearer:
“Joy-bearers are intentional” and (9) more traits of our favorite people:
More JOY found here:
Top 20 Ways Writers Spread Joy
Sideline the Doldrums: 10 ways to Remain Encouraged
Love ya in Jesus, friends!
Blessings Always,
Comments 6
I hope it’s possible to be one in the midst of hardship. One does try.
I think another trait is flexibility – joy-bearers are able to adapt cheerfully to changing circumstances and situations.
Author
Andrew, absolutely! Flexibility is a great trait! (How did I miss that one?) Sometimes, it’s hard to “cheerfully” adjust to change, but when we’re open to new things that’s a golden opportunity to bless others.
You do a super job of spreading joy when, many days, I know you don’t feel like it. Thank you for being that bright light!
I like to make people smile. To lift them up and bring them happiness. I have a friend who isn’t exactly healthy. This person quite enjoys gallows humour. So I’ll send an email that opens with “You dead yet?”
I would NEVER EVER EVER ask anyone else that question, but this person enjoys it.
I have a few very elderly lady friends who giggle when I ask them if they’re behaving. One will usually grab my arm and say “No, let’s go make some trouble”. I love her!!
Author
Jennifer, you so make me smile. I adore your sense of humor and your compassion toward others. You’ve blessed me in countless ways!
I’ll always remember our initial meeting in the elevator at ACFW and of course–dinner later. When you think about how God orchestrated that and how events unfolded afterward… truly a God thing!
You, my dear, are the epitome of a “joy-bearer.”
Cynthia, I hope I’m a joy bearer. I’m usually a joy bearer/encourager with others … but with myself, I sometimes say “can’t.” I have to learn to be as supportive of myself as I am with others. 🙂
Author
Shelli, you’re an a-mAAAzing joy-bearer! Your Christlike heart and consideration for others is proof! (And yes–you must nurture yourself, too. You’ve been through so much in the last month that, certainly, no one would fault you for that. If I were there, I’d pamper you with some delicious home cookin’. You know–a little chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes with thick cream gravy, angel biscuits, chocolate pie, and ohhh… the list goes on. =) )