Joy in Relationships
Remember our first love? The thrill, the pounding heart, the innocence of that first handhold and kiss? Our first loves fed our curiosity. Didn’t they? We discovered newness and adventure. A spark igniting a wildfire. Until the fire was extinguished.
So, how can we capture the feelings of “first loves” and keep the fire burning over decades of togetherness?
To find joy in a relationship, we must choose to chop the wood, lug the wood, and gently place the wood in a position to best fuel the fire. Then, we need to monitor the fire by lovingly poking and prodding so that oxygen keeps the fire burning. In other words, joy flourishes when we focus on giving rather than receiving, choosing selflessness over self-interest.
The Treasure of Joy
Joy is a treasure. And finding the joy in a relationship is a treasure worth cultivating. While the world often emphasizes independence, the Bible teaches the beauty of connection. Romans 12:10 reminds us:
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Such devotion can lead to profound joy when approached with kindness and genuine connection. Here are a few simple ways to cultivate joy in our relationships:
* Compliment our partner on a unique strength.
* Offer to help our partner with a mundane household task.
* Listen actively, and express ourselves with honesty and grace.
* Set aside time for deep, meaningful conversations.
* Share moments of gratitude, telling others what we appreciate about them.
* Do something together for others, like make a meal for a neighbor or volunteer at a community event.
This January, let’s take a moment to cultivate joy in our relationships. It’s easy. Each day, ask these questions: Who in our lives needs an extra dose of kindness or encouragement? How can we serve someone close in a meaningful way? Are we giving our full attention and love to the people who matter most?
Remember that kindness is a powerful way to spread joy. Whether it’s a kind word, a thoughtful note, or a small act of kindness, there is a ripple effect. Let us love one another and connect in ways where we can treasure the joy. After all, we can cultivate and nurture it our whole lives.
Let the joy of new beginnings warm our hearts, fill us with hope, and inspire us to treasure the joy in our relationships!
#January #NewBeginnings #Joy #Relationships #Kindness #Connection #LifeJourney
I and Thou Reflections 