How happy are you today? How about joyful? 

Just a little? More than usual? Maybe you’ve lost every spark and your joy is nonexistent…

The only truth we have in common is that we all want it.

Most of us have either already celebrated, or are planning to gather for Thanksgiving in the next day or so. And I don’t know about you, but when I just hear the word, “Thanksgiving,” it conjures images reflecting joy. It seems to me that the holiday was intended to be just that. People happy, grateful, thankful… And “joyful.”

But let’s face it, most of us don’t shift gears to feelings of merry and good cheer simply because a holiday says to. No, it’s not automatic. Well, not for me anyway.

It’s a choice that we make every Thanksgiving. A conscious decision to be thankful. For family, friends, food, health, our Lord and Savior… And then arises the joy. Makes sense, right? Because we’re focused on what we have, versus what we don’t.

The thing is, we could do this any day of the year, any dry season of life. It’s true. Whenever you intentionally thank God for the generous abundant streams of blessings he has poured out, and IS currently showering on you, the door of delight opens, decorating your view and dazzling your soul.

Try it. Pause what you’re doing, and take note of 10 things you’re thankful for. If it doesn’t make you smile, keep adding, noting and reflecting.

Implement this today. Keep practicing as often as the sparkle around you fades, and watch your path light back up as you choose the key of “thankfulness” to unlock the door to joy and sprinkle a touch more happiness into your life.

Reflect:

Are you lacking joy? Have you taken time today to reflect on your many blessings?

Pray:

Lord God, I want to be filled with your radiant joy. Not just on the “special” days of the year when the “happy” is easy to come by and blessings are obvious. But also the quiet, the cloudy, and even the crazy seasons of life. Help me take notice of the gifts you offer each day, marinate in your unending goodness, and receive the joy available to me, made complete in you. In your abundant name I pray, Amen. 

Seek the Word: 

Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)  And those the LORD has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 35:10) I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:11)

Have a blessed week! 

Your friend, Keri Ann

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