Joy is different than happiness. Lots of things and circumstances can make a person happy. Things like a piece of fat-free chocolate cheese cake, a 75% off shoe sale, or the perfect figure flattering swim suit. So can circumstances, like a surprise tax refund, finding a lost piece of jewelry, or a potty trained two year old!
However, life is really not that meaningful if you are just living to be happy. The real meaning of life is found in Joy. When I look back on the most meaningful times in my life they are all tied to loving relationships: Learning to cook with my mom, fishing with my dad, my wedding day, and of course bonding with my new-born babies. In order to have a meaningful relationship, there must be love. It is Love + Happiness that gives you Joy.
I really learned the difference between the two when I looked into the long lashed eyes of my newborn son’s face for the first time. I had a lot of things in my life that I thought made me happy, but at that moment, I was filled with overwhelming joy. No amount of money or worldly thing could possibly bring more happiness than the joy I felt at that moment. It is the element of Love that makes Joy so much deeper and truly meaningful than superficial happiness.
Without love and the ability to combine it with happiness to get joy, we might as well be a grove of pine trees. Soaking up the world’s resources and living, but not relating. Relationships are the key.
For me, the meaning of life is the joy that is found in relationships with family, friends and most importantly (for me) in my relationship with the source of everlasting joy, my God. The entire Bible is one long story of God trying to have a relationship with us. From God’s relationship with Adam, and then the relationship between Adam and Eve; God’s relationship and covenant with Abraham, David, and ultimately the relationship with his own son, and the gift of our relationship with Jesus Christ. When we finally get that and decide to enter into a personal relationship with God, we understand the meaning of life. It is all about relationships. A relationship with God and with each-other.
So, for me the meaning of life is the joy that comes from relationships. Living each day to find that moment of joy for both myself and to spread the joy to others. To pursue loving relationships and to grow closer to the true source of joy, my God.
With that said… I will also still honor my constitutional right to the pursuit of plain ole’ happiness. You can find me in the grocery store on the fat-free-chocolate cheese cake isle, wearing my bargain shoes and my grandmother’s long lost broach , and happily holding the hand of my potty trained child. ; )
By Kathy Kline Danner
Become a Joy @ Home Mom!
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