The Business of Joy

It seems like everywhere I go and every TV channel I watch is promoting the idea of doing things that make you happy. Since I am writing this in July, both Hallmark channels, along with commercials on other stations are broadcasting their series called “Christmas in July.” This is kind of a running joke in my family because Christmas is one of my favorite holidays, so I indulge. But I wonder:

• Why would we need a strong dose of Christmas at the halfway point in the year?
• Why is it that everyone needs to point us to things that make us happy?

My belief, it is because “happy” is just an emotional by-product. Happiness comes and goes with the events and drama of our lives. When we are happy, all the world is a beautiful place. But when the drama comes, it is quite a different story. Every little incident seems to be blown out of proportion. We all seem to be wound too tightly and at the first sign of discord, we come apart.

Where is the easy button? How do I fix this? For many years I worked for a very wise man who would say, “We need to do a root cause analysis.” Meaning: let’s go back to the origin of the issue. So maybe, just maybe, we should not be seeking happiness… stay with me; could it be that truly it is joy we seek? You see with joy, it is not up to me to keep that tank full, because joy comes from the Lord! Please don’t get me wrong, I have to do my part. It takes work every day, by ME, on ME! I ask myself “How do I treat others?”, “What is my response when I feel others have mistreated me?”, “Do I take the time to resolve any outstanding issues?”.

Don’t carry extra burdens in your book bag! Once I fix everything within me and in my life, that is when the real joy comes.

Joy is the serious business of heaven. – C. S. Lewis

So as you prepare to begin another school year, make sure that everything is prepped and ready in your home and in your school for the Lord to bless you all with His “joy”. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Romans 15:13

May the Lord bless your school year, and if I can be a blessing to you in any way, please contact me! lwhiten@homeschoolfeast.com