Scripture: Psalm 30
Over the years of my life, joy has been and is my preferred word. Through a lifetime, tragedies will occur such as divorce, children growing up and figuring out who they are, blended families, death of a spouse and well before this, death of parents! Yelling out at me through scripture was/is Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 126:6, Habakkuk 3:17-19, John 16:20, 1Thessalongians 5:16-18 and Matthew 6:25, 34.
Grief is so prevalent in today’s world, but joy comes in the morning. To me, going to bed in tears is a symbol that Jesus is washing my face. I wake up in the morning refreshed and thank God for today. Help me to go and live in the right way. Be to others kind and good; be to others as I should.
Also, through life’s journey, I have kept a Joy Box and Joy Journal. When surprises appear or people say nice things to you, make a note of it. Write it down where you can go back and read it later. I find that going back through the journals or boxes helps me to stay joyful and look for joy in everything. When I go to bed as night, I try to think of the joy I spread or the joy given to me that day. Jesus loves a joyful giver. It does not always have to be money. You can give a smile or a hug or casserole.
This Advent season, remember all that God has done for His people through the years and all He has done for you. Find the joy that is present when God works in your life.
Lacala M. Hall has been a member of Yates since 1970. Yates has “grown me” in many ways. She has 4 children and 6 grandchildren.