Joy

This little image makes me smile and reflect and try harder.  I want to have people look at my life and know that I am joyful for the abundant blessings that I have been so undeservingly given.  Even through the trials of my life {this one especially}, I have often wondered whether I portray joyfulness.  I wonder how others see me.  I wonder if my efforts to be joyful in the midst of hardship have paid off.

I would love to say that they have.  But truthfully, there are many days that joy is not anywhere near the top of my list of feelings.  What I've determined is that joy is not necessarily the same as happiness.  Joy is more of a choice.  Much like love.  I have to choose to by joyful because although there are many things in my life that I would like to be different - there are SO many more things in my life I am thankful for.  I am so, so, so blessed.

And so are you.  No matter the circumstance you might be going through - I promise, if you look hard enough - it's there.  There is joy all around you, even in the midst of darkness.  Light will always beat out darkness.  Always.

Be Joyful today, Friends :)