Make Time and Choose Joy

Make Time and Choose Joy

We all have the same amount of minutes, 1,440 minutes, in a twenty-four hour period.  How we choose to allocate that time is largely up to us as individuals or families.  The idea of “finding time” doesn’t work but “making time” does.  If you are brutally honest with yourself, you can admit that you can usually make time for things you really, really want to do.  Sometimes you have to give something else up or postpone an activity or chore.  It’s hard to find time to do something but if you intentionally schedule the time into your day or night or weekend, it then becomes a proactive choice where you have made time for your activity.

The same is true about joy.  We choose joy.  We choose to find joy in our lives, even when happiness is not present.  Think about it this way….

We cultivate joy internally, and it is an individual quality that intensifies as we learn and accept who we are, how we got there and how we can improve.  Joy gives us the motivation to serve others and strength to get through hard times.  Happiness is external and fleeting, dependent upon experiences, possessions, other people and circumstances.  Happiness is temporary and easily lost.

A child is happy with their new toy but it soon loses its luster, they get bored and toss it aside.  The ratty old blanket, full of comfort, memories and the smell of mom and the dog… that cultivates comfort and joy in the child.  They seek it out and grasp it for dear life. 

I’m disturbed and uneasy with all of the turmoil and hatred being displayed right now during the election cycle.  I’m definitely not happy right now but I am still joyful.  I have a fulfilling job, as a people helper, and it is my sweet spot of strength, knowledge and ability.  There is great contentment In my life and joy in knowing that no matter what happens, my final destination is already arranged and the reservations are made.  Heaven is waiting and eternity is secure; how great is that joy!

Psalm 118:24 tells us to choose joy:  “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.  We can choose joy and I hope you do!