Always there is joy to be found

Wherever you may be in life, whatever your background or current situation, there is joy to be found. Over and over again, modern culture relentlessly shouts the message that joy is possible only when you’re comfortable, entertained, and have the material means to be continually self indulgent. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. The assumption that material wealth, pleasure and leisure time are things to be valued above all else is so widespread, so firmly entrenched, that too few people ever question it. Yet that assumption is tragically flawed. It can lead to terribly misplaced priorities, causing you to put precious time and energy into things that will bring you no real fulfillment or lasting joy.

The truth is that the joy of being alive does not depend on anything. In fact, it is just the opposite. Rather than being a result, the joy of being alive is a cause. The fleeting, superficial things — beautiful possessions, exciting diversions, pleasurable pursuits — can all certainly be evidence of that underlying joy and can be expressions of that joy, yet in many cases you may have mistaken the expression for the substance.

It is a joy to be alive. There is absolutely nothing you can do to make that a reality because it already is and always will be. What you can do is to accept, acknowledge and experience that reality in the small moments, the big moments, and all the times in between. What you can do is to fill your mind, your heart, your spirit with thankfulness, awe, and wonder in light of the most precious gift of life that is the basis for everything you know.