A Year of Living Joyously in Review

     In just a few hours, it will be a new year with new goals.  2011 I strived to live joyously.  I had every good intention to keep a daily list of things that bring me joy.  It fizzled out when I couldn't find a pen or paper.  I thought I'd remember to write it down an the end of the day.  At the end of the day, I only remembered to say a quick prayer before going off to sleep.

     I did, however, look for joy every day.  That was my goal and nothing was going to get in the way of my goal not even the numbness in my hand and arm, not even the migraines, not even the deaths of family friends, not even the recently diagnosed Lyme Disease. I found joy in it all. The joy bubbled out from knowing that in spite of the setbacks, I could still do things. I smiled because I could.  I walked because I could. James 1:2 says "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds."  I counted it all as joy.  Oh, yes, I did!  It wasn't easy. 


     These last few days I've been praying and pondering on my 2012 word.  Receive is my word.  As I read my post on Joy again, I see that God has been working on me so that I was able to open my clenched hands and feel his gift of joy this year.  And for that, I am grateful.