Monday, September 24, 2007

Are we feeling joyful today?

Moms,

Are we all feeling joyful today? Maybe we're tired because we've been up half the night with a sick child or a colicky baby. Perhaps there are various stresses and strains that we are experiencing. The never-ending household chores may be looming over us. We may have a son or daughter who is in harm's way fighting for our country. We also may have older children who may be in harm's way from our twisted society - and we are praying for them to stay on the straight and narrow.

Where is our joy? Do we express it? Do we try to acquire joy even when our hearts feel trampled? Do we pray for joy so that we can help light the way for others who are less fortunate than ourselves? And for those in our families?

Blessed Mother Teresa said, "Joy is not simply a matter of temperament. In the Service of God and souls, it is always hard to be joyful--all the more reason why we should try to acquire it and make it grow in out hearts.

"Joy is prayer, joy is strength, joy is love by which we catch souls. God loves a cheerful giver. She gives most who gives with joy. If you have difficulties and you accept them with joy, with a big smile--in this, like in any other thing--they will see your good works and glorify the Father. The best way to show your gratitude is to accept everything with joy. A joyful heart is the normal result of a heart burning with love."

Let us take a few moments to ponder on Mother Teresa's words to us. You may be surprised and find like I have on so many occasions that joy is contagious! It may help to get rid of the "grumpies" around us or within us! A little bit of joy can go a LONG way in the household or wherever we may find ourselves! It is very challenging at times. However, a simple smile can change someone's heart! Are we up for the challenge?

In His Joy!

6 comments:

Tracy said...

What a terrific post.... an awesome way to start my day... thank you!!

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle said...

Good morning, Tracy!

Thanks for stopping by. Yes, joy is so essential and yet sometimes so difficult when we are weary or not ffeeling so joyful. I find that it is contagious and can help set the tone in th ehousehold or wherever we are! :)

In God's JOY!
Donna

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much, Donna-Marie! That was very inspirational.

I'm a at a time in my life when I have been striving daily to maintain my joyfulness and create my happiness in the midst of difficulties. Your encouragement was the little extra push I needed to get through this manic monday!

How the Spirit moves us!

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle said...

Amen, Kelly!!

Big JOYFUL {{{SMILE}}}

Donna

Mayogi said...

Oh, that is so true! I will definitely think of that today and try to rejoice instead of feeling grumpy. A smile can take you a long way, it really can.

Thanks for sharing!

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle said...

Dear Mayogi,

Yes! A smile CAN go a very long way!

Have a BLESSED and JOYFUL day!
Donna