Living Out The Advent Season: Joy In The Unexpected

Each November, I find myself counting blessings, focused on thanks and giving in the season. Gratitude seems to belong in the season of Thanksgiving naturally. As the years have passed, the lingering effects of practicing gratitude changes perspective and overflows into the rest of the year. Ann Voskamp describes it best when she says,

“Joy’s a function of gratitude. And gratitude’s a function of perspective. Counting gifts changes perspective and my life.”

Pandemic Life and ordinary everyday life circumstances can leave us spiraling more towards grief than joy – bringing us unexpected and often unwelcome gifts. The world teaches us that the pursuit of success will bring us happiness, but that rarely results in real joy. These days, the pursuit of happiness feels greatly limited, even overwhelming. Joy is a more substantial and less common feeling than just happiness. It is often found regardless of circumstances, making it possible to hold the tension between grief and joy.

A holiday intended to bring joy can instead lead to exhaustion and burn out. Maybe we seek to find joy in the traditions of faith or as we give and receive gifts. We complete all the traditions, have all the things, and still find ourselves empty, not joyful. The angel’s message to shepherds was “tidings of great joy” When we stop striving to achieve and embrace what is, we remember the real reason for this holiday season.

Real joy is often found in the unexpected
when we stop striving and instead,
embrace the gifts as they come to us.

Five practical ways we can find joy in the unexpected.

Live fully present today – When we stop worrying about tomorrow and live fully present today, the unexpected and challenging situations become more manageable.
Appreciate the small things – this is where Gratitude comes in to play. When we pay attention to all the little things, the beautiful gifts throughout the day, we unwrap joy.
#optoutside – I’ve shared this before, but there is healing both mentally and physically to be found in nature. Take a walk, enjoy coffee on the back deck, even when it’s cold, bundle up, and get some fresh air. It is incredible how nature can change our perspective and help us find joy.
Consider others – When we focus on the unexpected and challenging situations in our lives, we can find ourselves caving inward. Our focus narrows, and we lose sight of anything beyond our circumstances. Thinking about others can help us reset our focus and turn outward.
Volunteer – Helping people provides a sense of joy that we not only feel but often share with others.

As we prepare to light the third candle of joy, let’s pause to consider.

How can gratitude, counting blessings help me recognize real joy?
Where life has been unexpected, even challenging, can a change in perspective help find joy?
Considering others, where can we focus outward to help provide a sense of joy and share that joy with others?

This week as we continue to prepare for Christmas, let’s remember to strive less for perfection, to live fully present in the moments, and embrace the gifts as they come each day.