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What to do if you don’t currently have the seeds to cultivate joy?

Often our situation looks bleak, especially at this time of year when it is cold and the sun stays away for days. We might know that joy comes from God but there is a disconnect between that knowledge and our emotions at this time. How do we get through that to come face to face with joy?

We go on a treasure hunt. It’s very much like looking for your misplaced phone or that thing you put “in a safe place”, it is there you simply need the eyes to see it. Remember that joy isn’t dependent on circumstances. It is a deep inner gladness and strength, a gift from God. Your mission this week begins when you wake up and before you get out of bed. Tell yourself, out loud or in your thoughts, that today you will find joy. You might need to put a number on it, three joyful things, or even one but know you will find joy. Putting that mission in your mind first thing makes it more likely you will actually complete this mission.  I am not asking you to skip through life flinging daisies, but notice the beauty of the sunshine, listen for the laughter of a child. Appreciate the warmth of the mug you are holding as you sip your tea or coffee. Remember the gift of a specific friendship and be grateful. At night, as you close your eyes, give thanks to God for the gift of that joy. A little secret I will share is that giving thanks at night makes finding joy the next day even easier.