DAY 129 -- That We Might Have JOY!

I was asked today how long it had been since I felt joy.  Good question.  Man is that we might have joy.  Am I in a circumstance that prevents joy in my life?  I am letting "things" effect me so I have not felt joy for a time? 

I once did the research to write a book on joy entitled, "We are that we might have joy."  I asked about twenty people what things brought joy to them.  Most were older and most said that their children brought them joy in one way or another.  I remember many said that seeing their children, and even grandchildren excel gave them great amounts of joy. 

Some younger kids said that money brought them joy.  One said a certain kind of food brought him joy.  I would assume that little kids would say that a clean bottom, or a bottle of warm milk would being joy, or at least not anger or pain.

I remember many places in the Book of Mormon there are places where some were so overcome with joy that it exceeded their physical strength.  I have not heard of any experience like that happening in this day and age, but it may and is not talked about.

I remember reading that a totally repentant soul could enjoy this amount of joy, but those with any sort of sin, or misdeeds that had not been repented of could not experience this "fullness of joy" and have his strength overcome with joy.

I once had an experience that approached that extreme joy.  It was something that I had never experienced, nor have since.  It was something that was beyond description, pure joy.  It made me forget everything else, it was pure joy and happiness.  It was total contentment, and made me want to shout, yell, smile, share with others, etc. 

Joy is such a fleeting experience, a hard to find feeling, one that is hard to keep in one's mind and heart.  Joy is another goal to pursue.  I would imagine when one is surrounded in the mission field, serving loved ones, not permitting the things of the world to destroy or influence, one would feel something approaching joy.  Service bring joy.  Man and woman ARE that we might have joy.  What a goal to seek!