There’s a buzz word that seems to be popping these days on various marketing and media streams-- the word “Joy.”
It makes sense, being that we are now entering the holidays. “Joy of the season,” “tidings of comfort and JOY,” yada yada, bring on the J-O-Y!
And yet these are difficult and uncertain days. Truth, justice and peace are up against the ropes. So where does this “JOY” come from? More than an emotion, joy is something deeper than a feeling of happiness, or gladness. Joy is a treasure that is wrought. It is usually the product of something that is labored for. So much more valuable than an emotion, joy-- like creating-- is a process.
So where do we find joy in this holiday season, so fraught with trouble? We begin by reaching for things that are tangible and real, and set our hands to making. There is joy in creating something for someone else. Regardless of how simple or small it may seem–gifting anything that has been hand made is an act of joy. It brings gladness to both the recipient and giver in a more deep way than anything clicked into a cart. It takes intention, thought, and time.
We hope as you enter this season that you feel encouraged to engage in the creative process, in whatever way you can dig it up. Even if you feel you lack resources, time, or any skills at all, set your hands to making something. Even the smallest acts of kindness can begin the unearthing of joy.
