NEW DAYS

     This morning I have been thinking about my JOY Bank. That is the part of me where I store all of those amazing things that can bring me JOY almost instantaneously. It's usually just a written word, a picture representing some-thing, an idea, a memory, a voice. You get the idea. 
      The reason for a JOY Bank is that some days experiences, people, or crises, can suck the JOY right out of you before you know it. In order to stay connected, we must have some reserves to access JOY STRENGTH.
      This weekend I experienced some struggles in that area. I find I need to guard my time, my mind, and my heart better. If I participate in activities that sap me without the off-setting JOY STRENGTH, it takes much more time to recover.
      When I feel this way, I can also see my reflection in the mirror: I too, can sap people's JOY if I am not self-aware, listening well, and able to connect in JOY. I've done that this past week too. Then I have to do some relationship repairs if it's possible.
      Thankfully I remember: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord."
      It's a new MONDAY. Thank goodness!