Joy is something that can be easily misinterpreted because many people think it is the same happiness, but it is not. Happiness is dependent on circumstances. A boyfriend can make a girl happy or getting a good grade or being with friends and family can make a person happy, happiness is situational. Whereas Joy is finding the good in every situation whether you are having a really good day or not. Some people might wonder how it is possible to focus on the good, even in the midst of a bad situation. The only reason it's possible is because of God. James 1:2-3 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." God uses hard times to grow us as people and as Christians. Being able to find the joy in the bad times is a much better perspective than focusing online bad the situation is. In life there will be bad moments, but knowing how to see the joy in those things is half the battle. Another reason to be joyful is because you might be the only joy some people experience. That does not limit you to being joyful during the bad times. I strive to be in a constant state of joy and obviously it is not always easy but having a joyful perspective on life makes you count your blessings more and really live life fully. Living on a college campus is crazy and people are stressed out a lot. While I feel the craziness too, I try to be joyful despite it because I know God is with me and when others see me and the joy I have I can be a light for God. I work in the Library on campus and I feel like it is one opportunity I have to interact with lots of people and to show them God's joy. I do my best to be patient and answer questions as best and as kindly as I can. Joy is contagious and if I can make someone else's day better then it is totally worth it! Recently I was really struggling with something that was going on in my life and I was having a hard time find the good in my situation. I decided to have coffee with a friend and I hoped she could cheer me up. I went into our meeting super stressed about school and having a bad day. Within five minutes of sitting with her my perspective changed. She is such a joyful and friendly person that her joy truly rubs off on to other people. She encouraged me and helped me to see how blessed I was even though I was going through a hard time. From that conversation I've learned while it isn't always easy. Choosing joy daily is a huge blessing and one that will change your life and the lives of those around you!