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I was going to show you a picture of the fist size, bluish blob that has been wreaking havoc through our lives this week.
But, I changed my mind.
Instead, I will tell you about joy.
Joy is not the same thing as happiness. It is a deeper and broader emotion. We feel joy like we feel sunlight, or softly falling rain. It surrounds us, and envelops us. It's effects linger, long after the cause has passed on.
Catastrophic events have a way of focusing our attention, of stripping away the non-essentials -- the things we thought were so important. So much that we thought we couldn't live without, suddenly seems superfluous, and meaningless. This past week has done that for me.
I've been thinking about the things I can't live without. The things that truly bring me joy. The list is pretty small.
I find joy in friends. I have always made friends easily, and I'm grateful for that. Friends get you through, when you have nothing left.
I find joy in the beautiful things of the world, whether it's music, or art, or words or pictures --or the works of God's hand. I think beauty comes from within, from the soul -- each soul, and is left behind on the things that our lives come in contact with.
But, mostly, I find joy in this little group.
They are my inspiration.
They are my hope.
They are my life.
They are my greatest joy.
45 comments:
Ok, now I'm crying tears of JOY.
Your words are uplifting and truly beautiful.
I am glad you chose to talk about Joy this week. It goes a long way and inspires hope.
I agree; I am so glad you chose to talk about Joy. As usual, you have a very touching and inspirational post. Thank You.
I love that! Your write so beautiful, I had tears in my eyes. And how true it all is. The simple things in life is what brings you joy. Thanks for this wonderful PSF!
BTW - thanks for posting on my blog and my curiosity has peaked: How did you end up in a river tubing??
That was beautiful. Keep that joy and faith strong. What a beautiful family. You have much to be joyful for.
A close knit family is one of the greatest joys of life. It is a blessing and your photos radiate joy. I am glad you posted on this.
Thanks for the reminder of Joy! I find that it's harder to focus on the joy we have when things are tough, but when we do it makes it all the more meaningful!
I love your photos! Beautiful!
your family is beautiful. i can see they bring you a lot of joy :)
Yes, you do know of JOY. What a great writer you are. Just the right words to describe such a huge expression. I love the photo of your three children by the fence. Your son especially has a special look on his face. Thanks for sharing your family.
Ah Chris...you do have a wonderful way of putting things right into perspective. Thanks for that.
Glad you are thinking positively. You have a lot to be thankful for. And you just made my week.
simply beautiful
Well put, family can and should be our JOY! A beautiful family you have too!
Beautiful post, Chris and you have a beautiful family that obviously brings you a lot of joy! I know this word "JOY" - it is something I often feel and often feel fortunate to have known much of in my life. I'm so happy to see you focus on things that bring joy in your life as I think we all have it and it is there waiting to be noticed and enjoyed!
Take care of each other - you are very lucky!
Kellan
What a great PS Friday post! You have a lovely family!
Thanks for stopping by my place!
Geez...blurry eyes again today!!! :) You have a beautiful family and I am sure you are very proud of them!!
Absolutely inspiring. You have a beautiful family and I will be praying for you all.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I never expect less from you, but this post is, well... amazing. Inspiring.
Joy truly is an attitude of the heart ~ not a feeling; it's a lifestyle choice.
Such a wonderful post. I am sure your beautiful family is brought so much JOY by you as well. Great PSF!
Great photo...and I love that you choose joy, at a time like this. wonderful! thinking of you!
ABsolutely brilliant! Beautiful pictures, beautiful family and beautiful words.
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
You are so right. Gorgeous photos. :)
Good choice. Your joy is beautiful (but we both know that) and that piano key shot - FANTAB (the perpspective is perfect).
My heart is aching. Joy can carry you through the darkest times...sometimes we just have to search out joy because it tends to try and hide in dark corners. I am thinking of you all.
Your way with words bring joy! :)
Beautiful post.
Thinking of you, your wife and children!!
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful post to go with the pictures of your beautiful family.
You & yours are in my prayers.
I'm hoping to see some good updates posted soon!
I know exactly how you feel.
You have a beautiful family.
Chris, this was such an amazing post to read when you are challenged by so much lately. I will be keeping you, your wife, and your family in my thoughts and my heart. I hope you find more reasons for joy in the days to come.
What a wonderful and beautiful post. :) Great pictures to go with it.
that was a Joy to read --thanks for the inspiration.
Chris, you have a beautiful family and it's not hard to see why they are your life.
You are so, so right about joy.
Thank you for sharing pictures of your family. Everyone of you are beautiful. Your wife looks so young and pretty. I hope things will look up for her condition soon.
I loved this post
nice pictures and a great message
What a wonderfully inspiring post. You have a beautiful family.
Well said! As hard as it is to go through things like this I love the perspective it gives as a result. You certainly do have much to be thankful and joyful about.
Beautifully written! Your pictures are great too.
What a great post! You sure are blessed...beautiful family!
Unfortunately, your pictures aren't showing on my computer, but I enjoyed the words! We definitely need some joy at the moment.
Did you know that Gerald Finzi wrote a beautiful piece of music about joy which had a double meaning because his wife's name was also 'Joy'?
GREAT STORY!!! Thank you.
What a great post! And you have a beautiful family, no wonder you can't live with out them! Hope things are going well for you all!
that was beautiful...really puts things in perspective.
Chris - I left something for you over on my blog :)
Wow. Absolutely gorgeous. Words, photos, thoughts. Heart-felt and powerful.
Your words and your love inspire such joy on their own. Thank you for sharing your joy...
My love to you and your beautiful family...
No Joy is greater...Beautiful family Chris!!
J = Jesus
O = Others
Y = yourself...Read this in an article a while ago. In this order...our Joy is full. Hugs and Prayers...
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