Delight in Being Alive

"Joy" is a delightful word and it is interesting to see how many different meanings it has for different people. The dictionary says it is "a source or cause of delight." Another definition says it is "an intense and especially ecstatic or exultant happiness." The use of the word as a name was first implemented by the Puritans in the 17th century. Another definition is "a spiritual practice growing out of faith, grace, gratitude, hope, and love."

Personal experience is likely to define the exact meaning of the word to each individual. The moment that brought them joy gives them the definition of the word. Interesting quotes about joy show the different ideas. One says that the only joy is to begin. Another feels that it comes from a purpose in one's life. Another sees joy in beauty. One quote says "I feel like a tiny bird with a big song." Such different responses to joy show how intense the word is and how fortunate we are to experience it. Poetry and music have been written to celebrate it. The moments of great joy in our lifetime will remain with us eternally.

One source of moments of joy is a first child. The first time a person sees that child, the first smile or laugh, the first step, the first time he reaches up to take your hand - these things bring elation and intense joy.

Without sorrow we might never know or understand true joy. When our lives are filled with unhappiness, our moments of joy will bring us hope as we remember them and know that we shall experience them again.