African joy.

One of the things I have really been challenged to think about here is to discover what is my source of joy. While I am at home or at school, I was joyful when I had the chance to take a nap in between classes, go for a run in the park, spend time with my friends free of stress, sit down to have dinner with my family, or treat myself to some delicious frozen yogurt. If I didn't have the chance to do these things though, I will admit, I was not always the happiest girl in the world. If I didn't have the time, or the way, to spoil myself with what I enjoy, then it was a "bad"day. So where does my source of joy come from? Other people? Yes. Delicious treats? Yes. Running? Yes. But I realize now that those can't be my source of joy because none of them have a satisfaction that lasts. They can be things I ENjoy, but they aren't going to be where I find true, everlasting joy. John 15:9-11 says "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you...I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." I think I trust God with a lot in my life, but after thinking about my source of joy, I realize I struggle with trusting Him with my emotions. Living in a culture that has so many things that can bring me temporary joy has made it easier to rely on things rather than God. It's a work in process and there will probably be many times that I allow circumstances to determine my joy, but ultimately I know God is always there to strengthen me in His joy. 

This video is from www.mochaclub.org and it explains a lot of what I have been learning in the communities perfectly. Despite these children not having shoes or clothes without any holes or meals everyday, they have laughter full of happiness that is so inspiring.