Joy Comes In the Morning

One day last week, as I was driving back from the grocery store, the phrase ‘joy comes in the morning’ popped into my head.  I knew this was a verse in the bible but did not know exactly where.  After a quick Google search, I got the full verse:

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” appears in Psalm 30:5

This verse is about a difficult time coming and joy following.

Over the past week, I have been concerned about several health tests. One was a periodic check-up of my heart, and the other was to look at a growth in my stomach. The heart matters are easier for me to handle due to my extensive history; however, the growth was new territory. I was very concerned and even a little scared. 

Thankfully, both tests resulted in excellent news, but I struggled to accept it.  Over the recent years, there has always been another test or issue that needs attention, but, for now, that is not the case.

Back to my Google search on Joy – I found something about ‘foreboding joy.’  According to Brene Brown, foreboding joy is a way for people to protect themselves against vulnerability.  The premise is that by limiting the amount of joy you experience, you will not feel disappointed when the joy goes away.  I feel like I have been living in foreboding joy for a while.  Always thinking about when the next setback is coming.

Now that I know what foreboding joy is, I am trying to limit the foreboding of joy each and every day! This is hard. Some days, I feel like I am making a little progress. I am trying to be more grateful for the things I have, the things I get to do, and the people in my life. Gratitude has created more joy for me in the little things.

This week, I have found gratitude in:

• A good report from the doctor
• Cooler weather
• Preparation for several upcoming trips
• Healthy family
• Good bourbon
• Pebble ice

When I think back over the week and the things just above, there is joy, too.

It’s not joy that makes us grateful; it’s gratitude that makes us joyful. – Brene Brown

What brings you joy? What are you grateful for?