Especially during this never-ending pandemic, check your internal gauges…is your joy tank empty?
Merriam Webster defines it as the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight.
C.S. Lewis explains that it is more than pleasure: “Joy—that sharp, wonderful Stab of Longing—has a lithe, muscular lightness to it. It’s deft. It produces longing that weighs heavy on the heart, but it does so with precision and coordination…It dashes in with the agility of a hummingbird claiming its nectar from the flower, and then zips away. It pricks, then vanishes, leaving a wake of mystery and longing behind it.”
Joy, that spiritual longing and that intense pleasure, is for me found in Nature. Getting lost outside and hearing waves breaking, birds singing, leaves rustling.
It reminds me that I belong in this beautiful world. It feels spiritual, as if it connects me on a deeper level.
Perhaps, your joy comes from something different.
Whatever it is – find it, claim it and ENJOY it!
Cat writes more about her time in nature on her ebook which can be found by clicking this link https://www.amazon.com/As-Feather-Falls-inspire-adventures-ebook/dp/B09W3VJVXP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1AWVMD5YKXBM1&keywords=cat+strav+as+a+feather+falls&qid=1650726288&sprefix=cat+strav+as+a+feather+falls%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-1
I always need to read C.S. Lewis a few times through before I get it. His mind amazes me! There sure are plenty of forces stealing joy these days. Joy for me seems most commonly associated with sunshine and warmth. I love being outside, but I like hot weather, so most of the year, I’m waiting. In the meantime, I find joy in God’s constant love and presence, and other things that feels familiar and comfortable. I have noticed that as I’ve gotten older, I need less to be joyful. I think this is growth, right?
Yes, I think so! We have honed in on the simple things that really mean so much more to our spirits. Good for you. Hey, it’s taken us a few years to realize it. 😉