It's March!

Well, February - Love Month - has come and gone, and March is upon us.  January was the month of peace, February love, and for March, think joy!  Now that's a happy thought, isn't it.  With all the cold and bad weather and more than a little bad news, with deaths, illness, the economic problems and personal difficulties happening, we can all use a little joy, can't we.

I'm enjoying the fruit basket we're assembling in 2013.  It's been fun to see how many times a day I'm reminded of the current month's theme.  In January, I kept coming upon scripture about peace...even when I was not looking or thinking about it.  Same thing in February, about love.  So I'm excited to see what new and inspiring things come my way this month, the month of joy.

Joy is indeed a fruit of the Holy Spirit.  It is kin to happiness but so much more.  I've seen folk search for happiness and not find it...then be completely filled with joy, a gift from God, when they accept His love.  It's a spiritual thing, for sure.  Some search and search, trying this way and that, to find happiness, to no avail.  It isn't found in the things of this world, nor in material things, nor in individuals or experiences.  Perhaps momentarily, but nothing that lasts or that is of eternal value.  It's very sad to watch folk who are searching in all the wrong places for something that God so wishes to grant, if they would only look up to Him.  Conversely, it's the best present in the world to see a person whose joy is just overflowing, even in the midst of hard times and sad times. as well as in the good times.

It's joy that is contagious...uplifting...strengthening...healing.  It's joy that is obvious when someone who might be sad or depressed or overcome or devastated actually makes you feel better, when you've come to cheer them up or comfort them.  It's joy that shows in one's countenance...that brings a smile...that is tangible to all around.

So as winter's gloomy days hang on, open yourself up to God and His gift of joy.  It can come in the morning, after a long, sleepless night.  It can make someone's day, to observe you exuding that wonderful sense of joy.  Joy, pure and unadulterated, is just about the best medicine there is to heal a broken heart or to turn doubts around.  Seek it; ask for it; enjoy it; be thankful for it; treasure it; share it!

Here's to a heart filled with joy.  Make this a joy-filled and joyful month as we fill the bowl of our lives with God's wonderful fruit of the Spirit...peace, love, joy and more to come in the months ahead.