Holding onto Joy

Hi friends, it has been a long time since my Substack’s introduction in May but I am back and eager to reconnect with you. Thank you for your patience and for staying with me! 🩵 (I just discovered this light blue heart and I think it is so cuuuuuute!)

JOY

In the subtle unfolding of life, joy can sometimes feel like a visitor who leaves too soon. Yet, in its fleetingness, we are reminded of the importance of not just experiencing joy, but cherishing and holding on to it.

I’ll tell you this if you don’t already know- There are seasons when the shadows stretch longer than the daylight, when our hearts feel heavy and our genuine laughter fades. It is in these times that the true resilience of the human spirit is tested, and the depth of our hope is measured.

It is okay for you to in difficult times, liken your joy to the sun that dips below the horizon, only to rise again. In those days, please hold fast to this promise, anchor yourself to the hope that your joy awaits. That brighter days will come, and I promise you that they will.

So I implore you with all my heart, dearest, to not let go of your joy. Cling to it, even in the smallest measures, and let it be the undercurrent of your resilience. I have lost mine once and I loathed myself for it. Please. let your hope and wonder be as steadfast as the mountains.

Remember also, that joy does not demand the absence of challenges, or trouble, but can thrive despite it. Dearest, cultivate your joy in the laughter of a friend, the peace of a quiet morning, the voice of your grand-mum, the color of your beautiful skin, love letters/texts/gifts from your friends, your dreams, God’s promises. Recognize it even in the mundane , and the spectacular.

And if yours feels like it has slipped away or been extinguished, try, make room for it to return. Please, make room in re-learning your smile; make room in rediscovering simple pleasures that once brought light to your days; make room in your favorite color; make room in a slow dance; make room in spending time with those that love you; make room in God’s words; make room in prayers.

I like this quote by Henri Nouwen:

“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day”

I’ll leave you with this famous Bible passage: “Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” - Psalm 30:5

One more 🌝: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, that your joy may be full” - John 15:11

A book I am currently reading:

A video on TikTok that really made me laugh yesterday (I almost broke my head in the ice skating rink once, so I could really relate 🤣):

Enjoy!

All my love,

Tife 🩵