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This holiday season has me pondering the word “joy.” As a child, I thought joy was that final bell to release me from school as the Christmas break started. I also thought joy was knowing a brightly wrapped package under the tree had my name on it! Recalling Christmases of my youth helps me to see there is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness depends on circumstances around you going well and providing positive feelings to fuel that feeling. But joy is different. Joy is the stuff that keeps you going when the holidays are hard. When a friend gets a difficult and scary diagnosis, joy can still be part of the picture. When holiday travel leaves you grumpy, tired, and hungry, joy can still make a home inside you. When finances are strained and communication is too, joy can be woven into the scene. So, what is joy?

Joy is deep inner gladness fueled by ongoing assurance and confidence. And that is what I wish you this Christmas season! Wherever you are and whatever is happening, I wish you joy.

See you in 2023!