As we pass through these difficult times as a ministry, we are committed to our mission to be the compassionate presence of Jesus to one another. We remember that Jesus called for people to love their neighbors as themselves. Jesus also recognized the importance of love of self. This love invites each of us to reflect on how we care for ourselves. One way to care for self is through practices that promote joy. Joy is a deep, abiding appreciation and acceptance of God’s love for us, a love that brings peace, gratitude, and hope, even in times of adversity and loss. This activity promotes practices to increase joy in our lives.

 Extending the compassionate ministry of Jesus calls for joy.

Jesus invited his listeners to experience the joy that flows from being in right relationship with God, with others, and with self. It was an experience of joy rooted in faith and expressed in love and mercy. But not everyone accepts God’s offer of joy. In the pages of scripture, we encounter many who carried the weight of a law that too often enslaved rather than liberated. Those who were poor, vulnerable, and marginalized were burdened by economic and social inequities. Even the disciples of Jesus often failed to comprehend the meaning of the good news he was proclaiming and the deep and abiding joy he was offering. Yet God remains faithful to us and to the divine promises. God shares freely the gift of life, the opportunity for reconciliation, and the possibility of justice. Many followed Jesus because they sensed in him the joy for which they longed. He modeled God’s gift of joy throughout his life and ministry. We can deepen our own joy through our practices.

·       Joy Checklist – Take five minutes, reflect on what truly brings you joy and write those thoughts down.  Over the next week, add to the list and watch your joy grow.

·       How do you cultivate joy in your life?  Here are some suggested ways to help you cultivate the joy from within:  5 Ways to Cultivate More Joy in Your Life

o   Find Way to be of Service

o   Practice Gratitude

o   Live Your Truth

o   Who is in Your Front Row?

o   Stop Comparing Yourself and Practice Self-Compassion

·       Joy is part of each person’s spirituality. In his article, The Power of Joy, Thomas Hopper explores the true meaning of joy and how it can change our world.

·       Ever wondered about the science behind joy?  Read this article about Where to Find Joy According to Science