#021 - What Gives you Joy?
How do you describe Joy in your own language ?
My dialect (Yoruba) expresses it in various forms depending on the situation, context and matter at hand:
Ìdùnnú - "A derivative whose thought, feel and experience brings you Great Joy."
A rí dùnnú - "It's sight evokes Joy"
Ayọ - "Superlative happiness, hence we Rejoice!"
In other words, it wells up from within and it's expression becomes obvious in the external.
Mine! Joy is such a Joy.
The thought of this piece reminds of the Destiny Kids hit song:
Joy Joy, Joy, in my heart is ringing… Listen Here
Let me try the best I can to describe how I derive Joy in this current season of my life...
It’s not difficult to trace the source of my Joy.
In fact, I’d call it the spark that lights my galaxy—the force that refuels my tank, recharges my battery, and keeps me moving,
It's being in one corner of my room, ruminating on the Word, I mean God's word in written, audio or even in video format from ministers. It's humbling to see light in His Light! The kind that makes you run round the room rejoicing!
I love the sound, the look, and even the subtle twitch of excitement that comes with the title of a new book (I probably didn't know was there all the while). The cover page alone has a way of awakening something deep within my consciousness.
I find immense Joy in solitude when I’m “in the zone,” creating and giving form to both new and familiar ideas on the canvas of my notepad. I never knew writing could be so refueling, so unburdening, so electric!
I derive deep pleasure from uncovering truths, unexpected scenarios, and fascinating facts when researching a new topic—whether online, through a podcast, with AI, or in blog posts from trusted mentors.
My heart swells with joy when I’m teaching and challenging my teenagers to rise above their limits. There’s an indescribable satisfaction in seeing life form - full circle, revealing that all experiences are part of a cycle.
There’s a special kind of joy when I'm the go-to person for tackling tough challenges, even when I wasn’t originally part of the problem. It’s humbling and rewarding, sparking joy in ways both simple and profound.
Hearing great men speak in books, interviews, podcasts, channels… share their wisdom, on how they succeeded, failed, triumphed in life, faith, work, and family fills me with joy. It gives me a glimpse of my own potential, a reflection of who I am becoming in the not-so-distant future.
My joy flows freely when my nieces and nephews share their lives with me. In those moments, I share in their struggles and triumphs, and in turn, I open myself to them, allowing our bond to grow deeper.
Oh... How about the sight of an alert, there's not so much to be compared to this stress reliever and tank refuller than this. Boy! It gives me a rush of dopamine in my brain,
Needless to say, I sooo love chants, songs and spiritual tunes, it sets my mood, keeps me lighted and joyously joyful all day, all the time, every moment.
And finally, I’m always amazed by how easily I connect with people of all ages, classes, and backgrounds. Conversations flow effortlessly, and nothing brings me greater joy than the unique ability to bond with young children in any setting or circumstance.
Judging by my prevailing circumstances, the attacks the Devil has launched against my Joy personally, most recently at work, in the country, in the environment, in many families. I am more convinced in the power that Joy both Has and Gives!
I hope you find this scripture, a solid defence against the enemy's onslaught:
Habakkuk 3:17-19 GNBUK
[17] Even though the fig trees have no fruitand no grapes grow on the vines, even though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no corn, even though the sheep all die and the cattle stalls are empty,
18] I will still be joyful and glad, because the LORD God is my saviour.
[19] The Sovereign LORD gives me strength. He makes me sure-footed as a deer, and keeps me safe on the mountains.
Find your Joy in the Lord and not in the situation and circumstances around you, in that is your Strength, if you do feel weak, check what you're paying attention to and redirect your attention to where true strength, Joy and sustenance come from:
His prescence, His purpose and His WAYS!
Have a blessed week ahead!