Why Joy Matters

Several years ago I blogged about something that struck a chord with people.

The subject?

Joy.

That’s right. Joy. That simple little word we so often take for granted or we neglect to share because of other priorities.

To date, 10 Characteristics of a Joy-Bearer is my most popular blog post since I started blogging five years ago. I couldn’t dream that it would resonate the way it has. That tells me joy is a subject that’s near and dear to a lot of hearts.

Who doesn’t want to bear joy? To brighten someone’s day or change a life?

And for that matter, who doesn’t want to be the recipient of something so grand?

I’ve said it before, but let me recap.

I’m a writer. I write.

I’m also an encourager and encouragement is and always will be the heartbeat of this blog. Sometimes, I may chat about writing or certain aspects of the writing life, but the driving force behind my blogging is to uplift and inspire.

There are enough Downer Debbies and Dismal Dans vying for attention. Why add to the mix?

Whether I chat about the Ozarks or share slice-of-life vignettes, I hope my thoughts will add a smile to your day. I hope, too, you’ll leave feeling a little better than when you first stopped by.

And if something here resonates with you, would you please share it on social media or with someone who needs a smile? I so appreciate your willingness to spread the love.

Remember…

Joy-bearers are encouragers. We build up. We don’t tear down. We realize the power of positive thinking and the importance it can have on our circle of influence.

Now, moving on for just a moment.

Why does joy really matter?

Well, it matters because we’re meant to work together and not apart. That’s how God planned it.

“Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.” (2 Corinthians 1:25 NIV)

No, we aren’t always going to feel happy.

We won’t always smile or think sunny thoughts.

To trivialize hardship and catastrophe is whitewashing reality.

Encouragers don’t minimize the awful. We acknowledge it, process it, and accept that bad exists. It doesn’t mean we like it or handle it well. It means we’ve faced the fire and refused to burn. It means we consciously pursue joy. We strive for the better, despite the worst.

Sometimes, that’s a struggle.

Sometimes, we’ll kick and scream as we chase joy’s coattail.

We’ll pick apart every seam of her lovely garment and wonder if joy is meant for us.

How can we share what we don’t feel or have?

That’s the thing.

Somewhere along the way, our pursuit encourages others.

Even though we’re scared, sad, or upset about life’s injustices, our willingness to plow ahead pokes holes in the circumstance.

We’ve defied the obvious and kicked doubt to the curb. We haven’t licked it. We’ve redefined it, reclaimed it, and recognized it for what it is.

Hope.

That’s why joy matters.

Hope is naked and raw. It’s joy laid bare without apology.

Even when it doesn’t always feel good.

Or make sense.

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PLEASE SHARE THE LOVE

Just not feeling it? Why this still matters.

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Feel the love. The sixty-second pick-me-up you need today.

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Original Image Credit: Unsplash/Pixabay

How has someone encouraged you lately?

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See you back next week, my friend.

Much Love and Many Blessings,