Joy

Joy. A three-letter word filled with meaning, hope and peace. Joy, such a wonderful word and feeling. Happiness is also a great feeling, but it's often fleeting, tied to external circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, comes from within, routed in purpose and faith. The word "joy," along with variations like "rejoice" or "joyful," is mentioned over 400 times in the Bible, depending on the source. Happiness fades, but joy endures. 

It wasn't until I focused on "joy" that I felt a true sense of calm - a steady, peaceful feeling inside. Joy and happiness aren't an either-or experience; they can exist side by side. But it is joy that stays in your heart, that place where you can rest and simply be. Once I stopped focusing on whether I was "happy" or "sad", joy was able to fill my heart

I've been making cards for a long time and when it was time to get a personalized stamp, I knew what I wanted it to say: "Created with Love & Joy".

And when I started making quilts, I signed them the same way too.  Whatever I created, I wanted it to be crafted and filled with love and joy.  

This past Christmas, I made small fabric tree tags from quilt scraps, then started creating heart tags with the word "Joy" on them.  I began carrying the tags in my pocketbook with me. I wanted to spread joy with others and to thank and recognize those who had brought joy into my day.  

Since January, I have given away more than 127 Joy tags. They've gone to cashiers with kind smiles, helpful receptionists, little girls with pretty pink bows, friendly security guards and the kind woman at HomeGoods who found me crying in the Pet section just 5 days after Missy passed. When someone brings me joy, or I sense that they could use some, I give them a tag.  

The first Joy tag I gave away was on January 12th at a Publix. A woman was wearing a stunning blue wool coat, and I complimented her on it.  What followed was such a delightful conversation and experience that I knew - this is what I need to do.  This is what I am meant to do at this time in my life; share joy.  When I got home, I started a notebook to record my encounters, because while sharing the joy is wonderful, I also want to remember it.

Before long, I had more than a dozen Joy "carriers" - friends who also carry Joy tags to give away. I've made over 190 tags for them to share, with just one request; that they tell me their stories. I always want to hear the stories.  💖

It's such a simple thing really - noticing someone, appreciating someone's kindness toward you or realizing that someone could use a little kindness. 

Joy is what connects us on a deeper level, and it truly is a wonderful thing to share.

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