Joy: July 23 - 29

A joy shared is a joy doubled

and a burden shared is a burden halved.

When I was a novice with the Franciscans, Fr. James Cox, an elderly priest, pretty much preached these words every week, partly out of forgetfulness but mostly because it was the most important thing he had learned after a lifetime of struggle with addiction. Three decades later, I still remember these wise words.

Joy can be an emotion. Joy can be a choice. Joy can be a state of being. In the Buddhist tradition, appreciative joy is considered one of the four heavenly abodes. Like love, the more joy you give away the more joy you have.

Mindfulness taught me to live in the present moment. Knowing I am loved in the present moment from all eternity is my source of joy. Recognizing this gift of love is grace.

The only way I know to acknowledge grace is to live a life of gratitude. Mindfulness, joy, grace, and gratitude are my secret ingredients to a life of happiness. It is a joy to share them with you.

Practice

Share a joy. Share a burden.