I am home from my quick trip to NYC and I am not exaggerating when I say I feel like a completely different person.  When I was there, H said to me, “This is the happiest I have seen you in a very long time.”  I am a happy person in general, but I used to be told, quite often, that my happiness was contagious.  In fact, my name means joy, which is much bigger than just happiness. I haven’t contained either of these qualities in quite some time.  I tend to get carried away with the stress of life, and often forget to stop an appreciate the things that bring me joy.

I got home from NYC and Jack said to me, “I love this version of you.  I need to send you to NYC more often.” That’s when I realized I think I had been smiling for two days straight.  I can feel joy radiating from inside of me.  I’ve had a few different trials to overcome over the last year, and I’ve had a lot to mourn.  I think I am done mourning.  I know there will be moments, sad ones, painful ones, and dark ones but….

“…weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Ps. 30:5

My morning has passed, and my joy has been restored.  I feel more like myself than I have in years.  I am inspired again, and ready for a lot of change coming my way. I am known for fearing change, and being a little uptight, but I am ready to step back and look forward to it as it comes.