JOY?!

"Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  (1 Thessalonians 5:16--18)

What makes you happy?  My first thought is a cup of tea, my praise music and some needlework -  preferably in my recliner.  What about..... what brings you JOY?  "Happy" is a feeling.  It can come and go.  JOY is a decision - in the middle of everything going on we can, and will, be full of "JOY."  Even to the point, as my Dad's grieve group talked about, of "Sudden Outbursts of Joy And Gladness" -- SOJAG.  Or...."rejoice always!"

Paul is writing to the Thessalonians reminding them, and us, we can "pray without ceasing" (v. 17) and "rejoice always." (v. 16)  We can be doing these things even in the confusion, difficulties and constantly changing world we live in.  During this time of Advent we are preparing to celebrate Jesus' birthday AND preparing for His coming again -- a lot happening with all the other things added in.  There was a lot happening for the Thessalonians too AND for Mary and Joseph as they prepared for a new baby.  What we have to remember is "JOY" (as in "rejoice always") is a decision we can make as we "give thanks" (v. 18).  There was a post on Facebook, this past week, helping to explain this -- Jesus, Others, Yourself.  

As Caregivers we need to remember to put God first as we are caring for "our" others.  We also need to remember to care of ourselves, keeping our relationship with God strong so we can care for "Others."  So..... what brings you JOY?