The “holiday season” is upon us. Of course, stores have been hawking holiday treasures since before Halloween. Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, the focus turns to hyping joy—with the help of jingly music, sparkling decorations, holiday parties, gift-giving, and plenty of sugar.
I thought I would begin this holiday season and liturgical new year with a reflection on joy. A few months ago, when I was visiting a close friend during a difficult time, she asked me what gave me joy. I surprised myself with the length and depth of my list. Here are many of the things that showed up (and a few that have come to mind since):
- My morning walks
- Beauty in nature
- Surprises in nature
- Hiking in the mountains
- That my body can hike in the mountains!
- Working with the photos I take (often in nature) and sharing them on Instagram
- Beautiful, delicious, and healthy food (sometimes two out of three!)
- Caring for and eating from my garden
- Moments in my ministry when connections are made, transformation is glimpsed, and movement, change, and growth become clear
- When my clients’ books are published
- Mutual conversations with treasured friends
- Dancing through a labyrinth
- Hearing meaningful music
- Looking at holiday lights
- Finding or making “just the right gift” for a special someone
As this holiday season unfolds, I invite you to consider what brings you joy. Some things on my list might resonate with you, while others won’t. Items on your list might be unrelated to the season or intimately connected with it. You might consider different elements of your life or ways you spend your time. Think about where you go, what you see, and where you invest your time, talent, and treasure.
What gives you joy these days? How might you spread that sense of joy with others in the days and weeks ahead?
Wondering: Is there more to joy than positive thinking kind of joy?
Thank you for this provocative question, Adeline. I do believe there is a deeper joy that comes from the profound truths of our very being and living. There is joy in the gift of tears that tells us we feel. There can be joy in endings…what else comes to mind for you?
Peace,
Shirin
I love it! After all the gloom and doom surrounding us lately, it’s good to focus on joy. And I do believe that God wants us to be joyful. In fact, I also believe that the joy we feel is evidence of the God within. Listening to and singing along with beautiful Christmas music brings me joy. I awoke this morning with the simple joy of being alive, and of looking out at our beautiful blue sky. And I think that we can each spread that sense of joy by reminding others that it’s not only okay, but also good for us, to feel the joy that makes us grateful for everything, especially our very lives.
Amen, Aston, and thank you for these lovely additions to the joy list. I’m glad that you love my invitation and may it spark new awarenesses for you, now and in the days ahead.
Peace,
Shirin