A Thought of Pure Joy

"There is one thought in particular that should be remembered throughout the day.  It is a thought of pure joy; a thought of peace, a thought of timeless release, limitless because all things are freed within it." -- A Course in Miracles; Manual for Teachers, 16, 6:1-2

"... When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." -- The Bible; Job 38:7

I don't really have a lot to say this morning.  I am simply inspired to write about joy.  I woke up with all the usual stuff in front of me... animals that need care, bills that need paying, people that need my time and attention, and the illusion of not enough time or resources.  But I turned my attention to God as soon as I awoke... I always begin the day remembering that there is One Mind, One Self, and that is God.  I am an expression of this One Mind, inseparable and with all the qualities of this One Self, as is every other son of God.  This little exercise in remembering puts the day in the service of this One Self.  The details and forms don't matter... Who I share the day with matters absolutely.

This morning, after my usual remembering, I was simply overcome with joy... and the verse from Job, one of my favorites, came into my mind.  Joy is so effortless and natural... joy that has no reference, no external reason for being.  It simply IS.  Regardless of what appears, we are literally living and moving and having our being IN and AS an ocean of joy. 

But don't take my word for it.  Try letting go of your fears and defenses for even a nano-second, and you will be instantly immersed in the Love and Joy that lives us.  This thought of pure joy is our birthright.

"Truth returns to us in wholeness and in joy.  We are deceived no longer.  Love has now returned to our awareness.  And we are at peace again, for fear has gone and only love remains." --A Course in Miracles; Workbook 323, 2:1-4