Kisses of Joy

I’ve entered 2026 with a new definition of what it means to be filled with joy. Most of us think of joy and happiness as the same thing. However, they are not the same. Happiness is dependent on happenings Whereas, according to Luci Swindoll, author, speaker and sister to Chuck Swindoll, “Joy is completely unencumbered by the circumstances we face.”

Certainly, I have had many happy and fulfilling moments — Periods of time spent with friends and family celebrating over delicious meals and fun events. But overlaid with much of the happy occurrences of the past year were a series of illnesses, multiple surgeries and cancelled plans. And in the midst of all of those ups and downs, I did not feel the bliss of happy feelings.

The Joy of Service

By reaching out to fellow sufferers, the act of serving fills me with joy inexpressible. By sharing in their suffering, I too am comforted. And when I see their smiles that in turn, brings a smile to my face.

Joy Brings Smiles to People of All Ages

Pictured above is my beautiful girl, aptly named Joy Bells. She is a true source of joy in so many ways. She brings out the smiles in people. And seeing others smile brings a smile to my face and a pure sense of joy to my heart. One of the many things that Joy Bells has taught me is just how important it is to truly notice people. She is not shy when I ask if she’d like to say hi. She then sits at their feet waiting to be noticed.

As I stand at the other end of the leash, I wait for the opportunity to say hello too and by the simple act of asking for their name, they suddenly feel seen. How often do we go through life feeling unseen? By being so busy, rushing here and there, we don’t really see the world, (or the people) around us either.

You don’t need to have a therapy dog to connect with people. Even the shyest of us can take a moment in the marketplace to read a clerk’s name tag and say, “Hello __________ How’s your day going?” Make eye contact and see if a conversation opens up. You may be surprised at their reaction.

Life is Just So Hard Sometime!

Honestly, some days I wake up feeling depressed, ill, forgotten and useless. Those are the times that happiness illudes. Nothing sounds good, feels good or even tastes good. I just want to, like the old song says, “go out and eat worms”

But when I admit those feelings to myself and most importantly to God, I reach for joy, a reason to smile, even if it’s on the inside. I admit my powerlessness and turn to Him. That is when and where He meets me — in the middle of my sorry little pity party. I invite Him into that sad space and by His grace He meets me there. The tears flow, the honest confession of my misery pours out and as I allow myself to fall into the safety of His strong and waiting arms. that is when joy comes.

As Psalm 16:11 promises, In His presence is fullness of joy. Joy, not a happy go lucky kind of la la la, but a deep, down kind of knowing that I am seen, kind of joy. He knows me and He knows my name. And I am reminded that one of the many names of God is El Roi, the God who Sees. Genisis 16:13

Do you know that God sees you and that He knows your name. If think your name is miserable, lonely, forgotten or any of a number of titles you or the world has tagged you with — He can give you a new name — One like Daughter or Son, Beloved, Dear Child or a number of other beautiful new names. If you are willing to open your heart and invite Him in, He will meet you there and His arms will enfold you. There and there only is where you’ll find the true sense of joy. I pray you do just that, Open your heart to Him. You won’t regret it.

May God bless you with His joy and many days of happiness in the year ahead. Love, Mary and Joy Bells.

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