The Practice of Joy
One way to travel with one eye on the world and the other eye on Jesus
Joy
the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires
a source or cause of delight
an emotion that’s acquired by the anticipation, acquisition or even the expectation of something great or wonderful. It could be described as exhilaration, delight or sheer gladness. It is a gift.
Joy isn’t just about smiling and feeling more giddy than numb or sad, though it definitely includes all of those things. I like to think that happiness is what’s experienced in my head and in fleeting moments, but joy somehow ruminates deep down in my soul. Joy touches something. It activates more than a smile. It summons a sense of peace and well-being…maybe even an “at-homeness” kind of savory feeling deep within. And joy can be a bit ambiguous at times, but maybe that’s the point. Joy’s not always explainable. But you know it when you have it. When I travel, I have it.
Big Story Living travels in pursuit of JOY, and we do that alongside making space for the Spirit within to join us in the journey.
The Big Story Living Way of Practicing Joy
Some friends find joy in long runs through the city or bike rides through the park. Others find joy at a concert or in savoring the perfect meal of pasta and pesto. I find joy while traveling as I wander…with no plan and nothing on the other side to cause me to rush. As my body moves in walking motion and I activate my curiosity with all my senses, parts of myself reawaken. And the JOY comes in the rediscovering of an old friend (me) who dares to see the world like a child again…and who’s steps are literally being guided by the best Tour Guide of all.
In my opinion, traveling is the perfect opportunity to press into the intentionality of experiencing what brings us joy. These are some of the only days we are given to craft our moments exactly as we choose. From my experience, it’s in the space that joy has room to reveal itself. But beware, even capturing joy takes a bit of planning and effort. I have found that if I don’t give her that intentional space to join, “rush,” “should,” “fear,” and “frustration” are eager to crash the holiday and hijack every travel day they are allowed.
Here’s an Instagram post from this week that will give you an example of what it looks like for me to practice capturing joy when I journey.
Share In Our Joy
If you didn’t get a chance to follow along on our most recent Big Story Living Journey to Europe this month you can check out @bigstoryliving on Instagram and the new Big Story Living Facebook Page for views of all the fun.
Definitely follow along if you’re interested in joining our next journeys in the Fall of 2024. All the details are coming soon!
ALSO, if you want to be placed on the “first-come, first-served” list and be the first to have a chance to register, please just comment below. I’ll send you a message the day before the trips go live. There will be 10 spots available on each trip.
Tip of the Day I Can’t Stop Sharing
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Yay For New Travel Friends!
I’ll say goodbye now with a shout-out to some of my newest friends and travel partners. Personally, I think 13 days in Croatia, Slovenia, Italy and London looked pretty good on us! Laura, Jess, Ann-Margaret, Miranda, and Jen, it was a pleasure to explore with you. Thanks for trusting me and for being a beautiful part of yet another chapter in my big story.
Happy Travels,
Amy
Love what you’re doing Amy.