The year 2020 has been difficult for all of us, but some more than others. Many of us lost loved ones, and we miss them terribly. We grieve, and try to move on in this changed world filled with COVID protocols. Life is certainly more difficult this year.
A Reason of Joy
Now, we are in the time of year often called the “Season of Joy.” How do we find joy in a year that had brought so much hardship and discomfort? Maybe we just need to look a little deeper.
If we have a roof over our heads, we have reason for joy.
If we have food to eat, we have reason for joy.
If we have clothes to keep us warm and shoes on our feet, we have reason for joy.
If we have enough money to pay the bills this month, we have reason for joy.
If we have a bed to sleep in at night, we have reason for joy.
If we have people to love (no matter how far away they are), we have reason for joy.
If we have people who love us, we have reason for joy.
If we have the ability to walk and talk and…well, you get where I’m going with this, right?
But what about those people we lost? That’s tougher, heart-wrenchingly tough, but we can try to find joy in memories of them, and we can thank God we had them for the time we did. Sometimes joy comes mixed with tears.
Share Joy This Season
Once we find our joy, what next? That’s easy. Spread it around! Remember those who don’t have as many reasons to be joyful as we do. Give to a foodbank or a homeless shelter. Buy a toy for a needy child. Bake cookies for someone in a nursing home. Help with someone’s rent. Show appreciation for our healthcare workers and everyone who fights the war against the pandemic. Send a card or note to someone who is alone. Share the joy!
You know what happens when you share joy, don’t you? You get even more of it yourself. It feels good to be helpful, and that makes us joyful. We have the ability to make joy more contagious than the virus, so let’s do it!
I hope 2021 will be a better year for all of us, and I wish everyone a joyful holiday season!
