The past few months have been a huge roller-coaster in our house. The coaster departed the station the moment we decided to pursue expanding our family of three into a family of four, and after two dive drops (miscarriages), the ride ended back where we started. Some days, it is so easy to think the ride was “all for not”, but the rides twists and turns definitely taught me so much about motherhood, my hearts desires, our family dreams, and ultimately the biggest thing: the difference between Joy and Happiness.
A few days after our first “dive drop”, I drove through the
Starbucks window on my way into work with my puffy under eyes subbing in for my
usual makeup. I was in no mood to talk
to anyone but I was holding it together.
Now, I would never admit this to my husband, but let’s just say at least
half of the Starbucks baristas may or may not know me by name….and drink
order….just maybe.
Anyway.
It only took a minute for my barista friend to hand me my Frappuccino, but her words have stuck with me for weeks since then. She paused with my receipt and stuck her head out the drive through window, “Is everything okay? You’re usually one of the most joyful people through my window at 6 a.m.” She waited for me to respond by I just shook my head. “Well, you just look like you’ve lost your joy,” she finished and with an apologetic smile she retreated back inside the window. I sat there for a few moments but no words came, so I forced a smile back at her, which must have looked strained, and then just drove away. I wasn’t ready for the questions, and I had not prepared myself with a reply.
It only took a minute for my barista friend to hand me my Frappuccino, but her words have stuck with me for weeks since then. She paused with my receipt and stuck her head out the drive through window, “Is everything okay? You’re usually one of the most joyful people through my window at 6 a.m.” She waited for me to respond by I just shook my head. “Well, you just look like you’ve lost your joy,” she finished and with an apologetic smile she retreated back inside the window. I sat there for a few moments but no words came, so I forced a smile back at her, which must have looked strained, and then just drove away. I wasn’t ready for the questions, and I had not prepared myself with a reply.
It took weeks and another “dive drop” for me to realize
something—there is a difference between losing your joy and losing your
happiness because there’s a big difference in joy and happiness.
Your happiness moves and changes with each event or change
in life, but your joy cannot be shaken when it is rooted in Christ. As a
Christian your Joy is unwavering. Let me
explain.
The definition for Happiness is: the state of being happy or satisfied.
The definition for Joy is: great delight or a feeling of great pleasure and happiness or rejoicing.
The definition for Happiness is: the state of being happy or satisfied.
The definition for Joy is: great delight or a feeling of great pleasure and happiness or rejoicing.
Joy is a fruit of the spirit. Gal. 5:22 –“..but the fruit of
the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience…”
Happiness is not.
Joy is strength in the Lord. Neh. 8:10 –“…do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Happiness is not.
Joy always comes with the morning. Ps. 30:5 “One may experience sorrow during the night, but joy arrives in the morning.”
Happiness does not.
You still have your Joy even in times of sorry when the happiness is gone.
Joy is happiness but happiness isn’t Joy.
Happiness is not.
Joy is strength in the Lord. Neh. 8:10 –“…do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Happiness is not.
Joy always comes with the morning. Ps. 30:5 “One may experience sorrow during the night, but joy arrives in the morning.”
Happiness does not.
You still have your Joy even in times of sorry when the happiness is gone.
Joy is happiness but happiness isn’t Joy.
When your Joy is found in Christ it cannot be lost, it
cannot be easily wavered, it cannot be stolen even when your present happiness
can be. I hope when people see me, even
in my days of sorrow, they see that I do indeed still have my Joy. After all
when I look at these definitions, I want to be more than just satisfied, I want
to have the joy.
So I guess you could say Starbucks fed more than my caffeine
addiction that day! Kidding…but even though I didn’t learn this until after my
conversation with the barista, I am glad I have realized it now, and next time
my answer will be ready.
So love this, Amy. It is so true, but oft times we don't learn the difference except through pain. May God's gift of joy sustain you as you continue to lean on Him. I love you!
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