Happiness vs. Joy

You would assume these are the same things wouldn't you? I did...until I recently read an article explaining the differences in one of our church bulletins and the article stuck with me.

I love things like that. Things that make you think.

As I sat and let this article stew in me for days this is what I discovered....

HAPPINESS is having all of the laundry done and the house cleaned. JOY is having a pile of laundry and and messy house, but knowing that I have a house to live in and people I love to do laundry for.

HAPPINESS is a beautiful warm sunny day. JOY is a rainy day and seeing that it allows the kiddies and I to curl up with books and read or play games.

HAPPINESS is taking that perfect photograph. JOY is knowing that I have the skills to keep learning.

HAPPINESS is one whole night of uninterrupted sleep. JOY is being up for the 5th time and saying a silent prayer thanking God for entrusting me to care for these two beautiful children.

As the article I read stated..."Happiness may warm us...but JOY creates that fierce heat of emotion that takes our breath away. Joy is a constant simmering, bubbling thing just under the surface."

JOY is with me when I am stuck in a traffic and my daughter is going to be late to school....when I run out of milk for breakfast....when my son is throwing a tantrum in the grocery store....when my laundry is piling up by the minute....

JOY is there just underneath the frustration or anger or impatience I feel as a fleeting emotion.

JOY is a choice.

Tap into it.