As I muse at year’s end, I reflect on my life goals. No set of life goals is complete without targeting some form of joy. Bringing joy to others is pure and noble. Unselfish concern for the well-being of others brings joy. I find that imparting joy to others brings real joy. Although it costs me thinking time, emotional outlay, and action garbed in physical and monetary clothes, it returns much more in joy.
Suffering is the opposite of joy. If joy brings a bubbly spirit and a smile, suffering wrinkles the face and makes the spirit cry. Note, however, suffering is a part of life for without it there is no growth. Suffering is a great teacher. Someone said that we can tell if we are on the right path if it is upgrade; as long as we keep moving upgrade we know that suffering is keeping us on track. Life has plenty of suffering.
That you not get suffering overload, think of Christ who, suffering in your behalf, gives you the joy of His strength in time of suffering. Feel His presence in the food of His feast and in the fellowship of His flock. Act on Christ’s grace and joy in you as you give these gifts to others. Happy New Year!
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