Discovering Joy: Part 1

“And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:4

It was late afternoon, and the twin boys were done! They played blocks, rolled balls, and read books. While shaking wooden maracas to music, they explored the nursery through crawling and attempting to walk. They had already had their first nap, ate lunch, and were hydrated. Nothing in the room or in their toy bag was satisfying their curiosity or capturing their attention. One wore a slightly grumpy expression as if to say, “Come on, is this all you have?”, while the other’s constant smile started to sag. They wanted mom, who still had a few things left to do in the office, and I was the less appealing substitute. So, I broke out what all preschool and Sunday School teachers know to be the antidote to toddler crabbiness: the miracle bubble wand. Immediately, as the first iridescent spheres floated across the room into view, grumpiness left, and smiles widened. Soon, the boys were squealing with delight, hands reaching out to capture a bubble or two. These magic bubbles enchanted them for the next fifteen minutes, until mom could finish her tasks.

Ingrid Fetell Lee wrote Joyful, a delightful book exploring the concept of how “ordinary things create extraordinary happiness”. She interviewed people and found universally that different objects or ideas brought joy to different people, things like glitter, bright colors, nature, patterns, and of course, bubbles. She then explored how various artists, designers, and architects incorporated these ideas into their work, making space for more joy in our daily lives. One of my favorite ideas that she highlighted was the Brooklyn artist Magda Sayeg who knitted sleeves for parking meters, adding a bit of surprise on the busy gray concrete New York sidewalks.

Throughout the course of writing this blog, I have shared with readers a window into what brings me joy, including my love of citrus, fresh produce, and plants. But for me, joy is more than the yellow gnome that sits on my floating shelf. It’s more than the egg chair on my patio that encompasses me on balmy summer evenings. It’s even more than the sweet laughter from my beautiful grandchildren.

It is not something I experienced as a child. While I did have fleeting moments of happiness, they were swallowed by the secrets I harbored concerning my sexual trauma. It felt as if someone else was holding a remote on my childhood where Campfire girls, cupcakes, and Cabbage Patch dolls are fast forwarded while hearing steps in the stairwell as I sob silently in my bedroom are in slow motion. I remember some holidays where we put on the pretense of a normal family, unwrapping presents under a tree. These moments were quickly superseded with drunken outbursts and more secrets. Yes, I had happy moments but never joy.

My first experience of joy came at the altar where I invited Jesus into my life. I initially felt peace, but joy soon followed. I no longer felt hopeless, but instead, felt secure in knowing that God was good and good to me. As I grew in my relationship with Jesus, I realized that this sovereign, majestic God not only cared for and loved me, but had plans for me. Along with God’s word, I delighted in observing His reflection in the world around me. Soon, joy started bubbling up within me. It wasn’t based on my circumstances, where I lived, or what I had. It was solely based on my relationship with Jesus. And as I grew in God, I realized I didn’t have to earn points to keep this joy. It was always available when I rested in His arms.

Like Ingrid Fetell Lee, I want to explore joy over the next few weeks. As delightful as confetti and treehouses are, I want to explore this concept of joy in four women my age and older who exemplify joy to me. Some of these women might be described as bubbly in nature, while others have a more serene state of joy. One I have known for over thirty years, while the others, my relationship with them is more recent. But what they all have in common is that when I spend time with or think about these women, I am inspired to be more joyful in all areas of my life. In their own individual ways, they each reflect the image of God in how they express joy. So, my hope is to interview these women, highlighting some of their wisdom and how they reflect joy in their lives. I want to learn the secret sauce to what makes each of them joyful. My last post will be highlighting three younger women who bring me joy. These dynamic young women choose joy by pursuing creative endeavors. When I am around them, I look at the world with fresh eyes, and see all the possibilities of a life in God!

I hope you join me in this series of “Joy” posts. My prayer is that despite whatever “hard” you may be going through, you will see joy is possible. I hope that you don’t chase happiness, but instead chase joy that is fulfilling and long-lasting. Finally, I hope you are as inspired as I am by these amazing women who choose joy!