Caring for Ourselves

Joy Defind – “1 a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety
2 : a state of happiness or felicity : bliss
3 : a source or cause of delight”
joy. (2010). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved February 26, 2010, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joy



Three of the things that bring me joy in my life are seeing or hearing my husband come through the door from a long day at work, hearing my grandchildren laugh as they are running and playing, and the close relationship that I have with my heavenly father; my spirituality. Now let me give you the reasons why these three things bring me joy.

The first thing on my list is when I hear or see my husband coming through the door it makes my heart rejoice and skip a beat. I also feel a calmness come over me because I know that he is safe and he made it back home to me. There are so many family members today leave their homes in the morning and never return that afternoon. Some may not return due to some form of fatal accident, illness or they may not want to be in their family relationship anymore. So you see I am grateful each and everyday that this occurs.

My second joyful experience is when I hear my grand children running, playing, and laughing loud. When I hear and see them running through the house or in the yard it makes me fill up with jubilation because they are doing exactly what children are suppose to do; have fun while they are playing. I also know that while they are at “Naw-Nee’s” house they are going to get well, play well, and be loved well.

Finally third, my relationship with my heavenly father brings me joy beyond compare. For me to know that he gives me help and assistance to deal with all of life’s ups and downs on a daily basis is a cause for exultation. Because even on my worse day I can go to him in prayer and through his word the bible he gives me the guidance and assistance that I need. I feel this joy because I have the freedom to go to him and offer up my prayers and know that they are being heard. I give all praise and honor to him through the name of his son Jesus Christ.
These are just a few of my joys in life and as I continue to live I am sure that I will have many more things to add to my “Joy List.”