Joy and gratitude . . . for me, the two are intertwined.
Joy is an expression of gratitude.
Gratitude leads to joy.
And we can never have too much joy and gratitude in our lives, can we?
Of the two, we have to be more deliberate about expressing our gratitude for the people in our lives. For the special graces God bestows on us. For the opportunities we are given. For the protection we are provided.
Sometimes joy surprises us. Other times, joy is shared with others — multiplying again and again as we recognize our reasons to be thankful.
And there it is again: GRATITUDE.
I can think of many things to be thankful for: my home, a good night’s sleep, a book contract. But family and friends are the greatest source of joy in my life. And for them I am most truly grateful.
In Your Words: What brings you joy? What is one thing you are grateful for today? What is one thing you are always grateful for?
[ctt template=”8″ link=”6xS7M” via=”yes” ]In Others\’ Words: Simple Gratitude http://wp.me/p63waO-2nP #quotes #gratitude [/ctt] [ctt template=”8″ link=”iE4uZ” via=”yes” ]\”Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.\” http://wp.me/p63waO-2nP #quotes #gratitude[/ctt]
Comments 5
Well, hmm. I haven’t slept in three days because of an interesting new symptom…a viciously painful rash that’s following my lymphatic system. Kind of like shingles without good parts.
But I am grateful; Barb says that my habit of saying “It could be worse” only drives Satan to lay further pain on me.
If that’s so, maybe I’m keeping the devil distracted, and there’s someone else in the world he’s not bugging.
Yeah, I can be grateful for that. Someone’s got to be the shield. Why not me?
Author
Andrew:
Your willingness to stand up and be a shield for others even when you are in pain motivates me to stand up too. How can I be a protector for someone else, no matter what circumstances I face?
And joy>
It is a dandelion-seed among the dead granite rocks of dull despair, and the slightest breeze sends it wafting heavenward.
Author
This is a beautiful metaphor for joy, Andrew. I will never look at a dandelion the same way.
Adding on to Andrew–where the wind gentles and sets the seed down again where it roots and prospers, always being the first strong encouraging sign of growth and spring. God bless you, Andrew–and Beth, from Cadiz & Seville, Spain today. I am blessed and gratgeful, experiencing both joy AND gratitude.