Intentional Joy
Linda Soller | Dec 16, 2024
During the Christmas season it may feel like you experience joy everywhere. You get a gift from someone, and you love it. It brings you joy. You bite into your favorite desert, and you smile with joy. You hear the voice of a dear old friend who you’ve been missing and your heart fills with joy. These are all spontaneous maybe unexpected moments of joy.
But there is also intentional joy. The joy that comes from the giving not the getting. You volunteer at a shelter serving a meal on a cold winter night. Happy to be able to help. Your happiness is nothing compared to the joy of those who truly needed the warm meal and some kindness. The joy you gave was intentional. The joy received was spontaneous.
The big difference is that intentional joy requires putting thought and effort into what you do for others. You must give of yourself. When we pray for people, who are hurting, or ill, or grieving we may not expect them to feel instant joy. If they feel our caring and support it will bring them an inner joy and peace. Our prayers should be intentional.
In a world that is hurting and seems angry all the time is it any wonder that we seek joy? Accidental joy is easily recognized, but intentional joy can change lives. When we give of ourselves, when we love our neighbors, when we share our faith, we are spreading intentional joy.
I see intentional joy in the shepherds of the Christmas story. The lowest in society, in a dark cold field are treated to the greatest message, a grand opportunity, a rare recognition of their trust and faith. The Angels come to them. Or the wise men. These men who studied and researched for years were shown a star. A long, not so easy, trip of a lifetime led them to the promised One. Their joy must have been overflowing. God is intentional in the many gifts He gives us. God gives us opportunities to be intentional in spreading joy. How will you respond?
Be kind, be brave, have faith! : ) Linda
