The Joy-making List

Friday May 3, 2013

God’s kingdom has nothing to do with eating or drinking. It is a matter of being right with God. It brings the peace and joy the Holy Spirit gives. (Romans 14:17 NIRV)

Throughout my life I’ve been a list maker. When I was a teacher I listed objectives I wanted my students to learn and steps I would try to take them through to help them get there. My day was a list of times and activities. There was another list of the papers that needed to be graded, parents to be called, bulletin boards and activity centers to prepare, professional journals to read … and so on.

In my current world of technology and smart phones I now keep a little list of groceries I need to buy on a magnetic note board on the side of my fridge and before I head out to the store I take a picture of that list with my phone and check it when I’m in the grocery store.

When I was researching “joy” on the internet I came across various lists of things a person could do to find joy. I ignored a few, adapted some others, and added a couple of my own. In the past couple of days we’ve been looking mostly at the first 4 or 5 on the list but there are some others that are practical and useful as well. What one thing might we do today to build joy into our lives?

TIPS FOR BUILDING JOY IN MY LIFE

1. Remember the source of your joy –JESUS.

2. Intentionally receive and remain in God’s love.

3. Keep God’s commandments.

4. Examine your thoughts and refocus on truth if necessary.

5. Count your blessings: Be thankful and optimistic.

6. Smile and laugh and put a smile on someone else’s face.

7. Work towards goals that challenge and excite you.

8. Embrace silence – personal retreat; quiet time; “me” time.

9. Forgive others and forgive yourself.

10. Develop healthy relationships. Stay in touch with family and friends.

11. Have Fun!! Explore. Go out. Read. Sing. Dance.