Joy can come in many forms of emotion.
Over the past couple of days, while I’ve been focusing on my word-of-the-week (JOY), I have had joyful emotions in various forms.
Joy through laughter: Cole and I were on our way to school. We were behind a brand new/fast car going HALF the speed limit. Seriously? Fifteen miles per hour in a 30 miles per hour zone? (hmmm, see The Green Bean Theory) I made the comment to Cole, “Of course this had to happen on a day I was running a little behind.” When we reached the stoplight I was hoping that the car would turn so I could continue on my way as well by turning right on red. But, no…I had to wait patiently behind this vehicle while it was waiting on the red light so it could proceed straight ahead. Then God’s sense of humor arrived. When we FINALLY turned we got behind a small truck that was slam full of gallons of whole milk in its truck bed. We cracked up! I said, “Got milk?”, and we laughed. Then I joked about that’s how I should buy milk for my three kids. “Hey, mom, could you please go to the store and purchase a truckload of milk?” We gave thanks for God for making us laugh in “my time” of waiting. Impatience wasn’t the feeling anymore, it was JOY. And…I wasn’t even late to work. God’s good.
“God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.” Luke 6:21.Okay, I may not have been “weeping”, but just know that in times of distress, God will bring laughter.
Joy through tears: Yesterday was “See You At The Pole” Day. Our school club, Tigers for Christ, is a student led club, and I get the honor of 
being one of their sponsors. The student leaders organized a beautifully presented SYATP presentation. There was music, devotional reading, prayer groups, and oh yea, doughnuts. Our club meets every Friday morning, and our numbers hadn’t been what they have been in past years. With that being said, we weren’t sure how many students would actually show up. To God be the glory! There were approximately a hundred students present. Many of our teachers and youth leaders from community churches, and a home-school group were in attendance as well (I’m getting choked up just thinking about this). When two of our eighth grade girls sang, other kids joined in. My heart was overflowing with emotion. I began to cry tears of JOY. I love hearing young folks worship to our Lord!
“Tears of joy will stream down their faces,” Jeremiah 31:9a. Yes, tears of joy were streaming down my face.
Joy in work: Part 1: Okay, I wasn’t working, I was just sitting on the golf cart watching, but my heart was filled with JOY while I observed my husband and eldest working together. We had a portion of a fence that wasn’t attached to anything on one side, and wasn’t serving any purpose. We wanted to get the golf cart to the back 
of the property, so Tim and Hunter dug out and moved the fence. This momma was happy watching two of my men working together.
Part 2: I love my job. One of my all-time favorite sounds I love to hear from students is, “Awe!” or “Ah-ha!” or “I’ve got it!”. Well, I’ve been hearing that sound a lot lately. Again, my being is filled with JOY.
“So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work.” Ecclesiastes 3:22
Where are you going to find your JOY today? When you’re focused on Jesus, you will see JOY in various places. Open your eyes.
I pray many blessings and much JOY for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie
