Joy, bliss, happiness and the lack there of

Question: How do we get to the point where we are without any of the above?

Lately, it seems that I have bumped into or been around people that just seem lacking simple joy. I even caught myself in this little lump sadness. When I catch myself entertaining the dark side I want to crawl into a hole and protect myself from life's messes.

I think that before my children started school and I stayed home with them I was fairly protected from the dark evils that I now see at every turn of every day.

Why can't people just be kind to one another? Why can't people accept people for who they are and not what they can offer the person? Why is being nice considered being weak? Why is it a crime for liking your job? I actually got asked if I like my job by a school board member. When I told him I love and enjoyed it he looked at me like I had a third eye. He told me that usually when he asks this the response is negative. I really think he thought I was lying to him.

I am sick of the need to impress people. I am sick of bullies at school and hateful words thrown around like sharp knives that cut you to the quick. Why do nice guys finish last?

I see this all the time and my heart breaks because I think the people who do these things are missing out on simple joy. Joy that comes from within. You can't buy joy, earn it on a report card, drive it, build it out wood, steel and granite.

How do you get joy? Here are few things that make my heart sing.

My kids singing and getting along
My husband
Hugs from the little preschoolers when they see me outside of school
Music
the sun
silly stuff that just makes me laugh
memories of my grandpa
knowing my kids are kind and compassionate
helping someone I don't even know
praying and being in fellowship with God
Knowing that God wants us to be happy and filled with joy
knowing I have a wonderful network of friends who encourage, laugh , love, and lift me up and I can do the same for them.
Knowing I can let my light shine.

I know that I can't control the evils that lurk in this world. But, I can't hide from them either. I can lay it at the feet of the Lord. In that I am renewed and able to face the day-- with a smile on my face.

Have a joy-filled day. Seek it out- it's there!!