My Word of the Year is “Joy”
Editor’s Note: DC Service Corps volunteer Claire Schwalb shares her word of the year, “joy,” and relates it to her year of service.
Joy is my word for the year. It was a hard decision actually, I have never been able to successfully stick to a word of the year! I didn’t pick joy because I rarely experience it. Actually, anyone could look at me and consider me a happy person, some may even say over enthusiastic, but that doesn’t necessarily mean joyful. Joy is described by a deep feeling of happiness without fleeting emotions, and associated with a sense of purpose and connection. Now what does that look like for me? I just moved across the country to a new city, with a new job, and a metro system I have never used before. That’s not the easiest transition! But those factors are not the source of my joy.
“You show me the path of life. In Your Presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalms 16:11)
Every day when each of us wake up we have Christ in our heart. During the day when we are sitting at the station because we JUST missed our train, Christ is with us. He is reflected in each and every individual creature on this earth! Doesn’t that just bring you so much joy? Being present in the fact that Christ is among us is not easy. It is in theory, but sometimes life gets in the way and we can easily forget to take time to recognize the beauty that He has given to us that surrounds us.
And, the more I have tried to be mindful and present, the easier it comes to me. It has taken me some time, because I do not like to sit and take time with anything, I like to move on and get the next thing done… But I am trying every day and that’s what counts!
Deciding my word for the year to be joy has been amazing. Such a simple word that we are taught from a very young age, yet it holds so much complexity in how each and everyone one of us can experience it, and share it! We are called to share Christ’s love. In every day, with every action, and during each encounter, we are called to bring joy through him!
Question for Reflection: How can you be present and share in Christ’s joy today?
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