I am full of joy, and it is a wonderful feeling! I am, however, aware of the difference between happiness and joy. Dictionary.com might provide similar defintions of the words, but from a eternal perspective I see a strong difference.
Right now, I am full of joy in knowing that God is totally working, providing, leading, guiding, and blessing my life. I am full of joy in this new position at the South OKC campus as well as with the team, attenders, and volunteers there. I am full of joy in where God has Gerardo and I right here and now. I am full of joy that deep down, I believe I am fulfilling God’s purpose and growing closer to Him. I am even full of joy with the ups and downs of the past months and the current struggles with which I’m dealing because I know He is working. I am full of joy even being totally honest about my happiness because I could probably say I’m full of more joy than happiness.
I am not happy having to transition between two jobs and balancing both roles. I am not happy seeing some of those closest to me in such pain and going through really heavy stuff. I am not happy with the hectic schedule of the past few days and being worn out. I am not happy having to leave some close relationships at my current office as I move to the new. I am not happy that my mind feels ‘all over the place’.
Thankfully, joy is much deeper and truly fulfilling than happiness. Joy is present regardless of circumstance but more of gift from His Spirit. God is good!!
How about you? Joy? Happiness? Thoughts?
Exactly!
You are going to do adn AMAZING job at South! Go Libby!