oh happy happy joy joy

So Sunday our friend (and pastor) made the comment,

“Happiness is a symptom of circumstance, joy is a product of perspective.” I’ve been thinking about that a lot.

FireCracker returned from my parent’s house and my mom had dressed her in one of my old rompers. I was attempting to get some pictures of her in it, but she discovered Littlest Brother’s toy phone. Her circumstances made her very happy.

When Littlest Brother discovered her with his phone, her circumstances changed. She was very unhappy.

He decided to share. Her circumstances changed.  She got what she wanted. She was happy.

Then it was his turn.

We’ve had a lot of grumbling, arguing and complaining around here lately. A lot of big and little people who are happy or not happy based on if circumstances are in their favor or not. Biggest Brother brought home an “Ugly Jar” from church. For one week anytime anyone in the house argues or complains they have to make a monetary deposit in the Ugly Jar. Being the non-conformist I am, I couldn’t bear the Ugly Jar on the counter so Biggest Brother agreed to let me ‘De-Ugly’ it. I have a feeling that jar is going to be very heavy at the end of the week. The jar says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing. Phil. 2:14” (label from here)

Later that night my friend Lars made the comment, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately too. I consider myself a pretty joyful person. I don’t struggle that often with comparison. However, as I think about joy this week I have noticed that when joy seems to vanish in my own life it is usually related to comparison. I don’t want anything stolen in my life…especially joy.