On tangible joy

Even though sometimes things don't go quite as I had planned, I've learned to accept them and move on. I feel this is a very important thing to do in life, because wallowing forever in regret, self pity, or whatever is just stupid. No matter what happens in my life, there is one thing that is always readily available to me: The Joy of the Lord. In truth, I haven't been really down in a long time. Now, there are definitely some days that are better than others, because then great days wouldn't be special, but honestly, I've learned to enjoy life. I've officially come to the conclusion that it is a good thing. What I find is completely amazing is that God gives us joy to have here and now and it can be incredible, but it doesn't even come close to comparing with the joy we'll experience someday when we get to heaven. I think that's so cool. I can't even imagine what it's going to be like, but I'm excited and so hopeful. It's the hope that not only gets me through, but allows me to enjoy a day. I mean, I have to have faith, because if God's seen me through sixteen years of my life, why should I expect for him to let me down? I know he's always going to be there taking care of me. For example, almost exactly two years ago, there was a big tornado in my backyard. My house is still where it was then. We lost a window, a few shingles and twenty-six trees. We live in a 150 year old house. When we woke up and saw the storm, we ran down the stairs over the broken glass from the window. There were no cuts. God took care of my family and me that night, so how could I possibly doubt him? This faith, knowing that He always has my back is what makes my days joyous. With my life revolving around Christ, no matter what happens, I win. If I keep living a long life, I live with the joy, love, and peace of God. If I die, well then I get to go be with Jesus, hooray, duh. This is just what was on my mind. Wow. I can be really long winded, but this is one of the ways I give thanks. I just feel that with so much joy, I have no right to just keep it inside. I want to carry it in a basket (because it's so real and cool that it's like it's tangible) and sprinkle it on people. Wouldn't that be neat? My new ambition: I want to be the Johnny Appleseed of Joy.