May - Joy
Find the Joy in Everything
May has completely gotten away from me with a special event or meeting nearly every day. But maybe that makes this month’s focus even more fitting: joy.
Joy and happiness are not the same thing. Happiness often depends on circumstances — good news, accomplishments, comfort, or pleasant moments. Joy runs deeper. It’s a steady, grounded presence rooted in connection, meaning, and ultimately, God.
Our emotions change constantly. A stressful conversation, bad traffic, or disappointing news can shift our mood in seconds. But joy isn’t erased by difficult moments. When joy is rooted deeply in your soul, it steadies you through changing emotions and uncertain days.
Sometimes joy looks big and obvious, but more often it’s quiet.
It’s sunlight through the kitchen window.
A warm cup of coffee before the house wakes up.
Fresh flowers at the grocery store.
Bare feet in the grass.
A song that makes you dance while cooking dinner.
All green lights on the drive to work.
Simple things. Sacred things.
Challenge:
Write down a simple joy each day - sunlight on your skin, your favorite flower in blossom, yummy food, all green lights to work today, etc.
Find joy in movement! Dance it out! Don’t track your movement this month. Simply move to enjoy it!
Ecclesiastes 3:4 - A time to mourn, and a time to dance
This month, I’ve been trying to pay closer attention to those small gifts instead of rushing past them.
One of my goals this year has been to compliment a stranger each day. We’ve all experienced those unexpected moments — someone complimenting your shoes in line at the coffee shop or noticing something kind about you. Somehow, it changes the entire tone of the day.
You never know what someone is carrying. A simple compliment may be the very thing that reminds them they are seen.
It only takes about 10 seconds of courage to say something kind.
Sure, it can feel uncomfortable at first. But watching someone’s face light up or sharing a brief moment of connection is almost always worth it. And so far, I’ve never regretted it.
Joy doesn’t have to be complicated or earned. Often, it’s found in slowing down enough to notice what was already there.
Guided Reflection:
What made me smile today, and how can I thank God for them?
How can I feel joy when circumstances aren’t perfect?
What simple joys remind me of God’s love?
