What brings you joy in life? There are probably many different things that bring you joy. For me, right now, one of the things is the “warmer” days and the nearing hope of consistently warm days! Honestly, I feel like a different person when the days warm up! I love getting to be outside, sit on the porch, hear the birds chirp, work with my hands around the house, feel the sun on my face, watch the kids play in the yard, and the list can go on and on! Those first warm days bring me much joy.

Another thing that brings me joy is my family. My wife Elyse and I have two boys, Cameron (7) and Cole (4). My family members are continual joy “bringers” into my life. As my boys continually get older, more of their personality comes out. My oldest son Cameron is my kid that never wants to miss out on the work that needs to be done. Yard work? Cameron wants to do it. Cutting grass? Cameron wants to be there. Something needs to be built or fixed?
Cameron wants to be a part of it. I couldn’t be more thankful for his servant’s heart to do what needs to be done. My youngest son Cole is my more introverted child. He takes after me in that respect. Cole has a fantastic imagination! You can often find Cole with his Marvel Avenger action figures. He loves to take those action figures everywhere, but he’s careful and protective because he doesn’t want to lose a single one! Sometimes, he’ll even be dressed up as a superhero running around the house, and it’s a sight that can bring a smile to your face on the cloudiest of days. A bonus is when you get to hear Cole’s belly laugh because it’s so contagious and will warm your soul. My wife, Elyse, is continually an amazing mother, wife, and friend. I’m not sure I would have made it this far in ministry if it wasn’t for her! She has been and continues to be a tremendous partner in ministry and life. Indeed, my family brings me so much joy!

But there are times when it can be hard to pinpoint the things and the people that bring us joy. Sometimes we go through seasons of life, and it’s hard to feel joy. The bible mentions the word joy quite a few different times. Specifically, James 1:2 starts by saying, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” What is this pure joy that James is talking about? How is it possible to feel joy when things aren’t good? That doesn’t seem natural. I’d agree that it certainly doesn’t initially make much sense. Yet, the Christian can still experience pure joy, even when we face trials of many kinds.

Let’s talk more about this on Sunday.

In the meantime, what is bringing you joy right now? Who is bringing you joy right now?

-Aaron Adams