Son, sometimes you have to take joy in life, especially in the tough times. Joy is a wonderful thing. Joy is a sense of delight. Joy is different than Happiness. Happiness is defined by circumstance and what happens to you. Joy is a mind set, it's an emotion you decide to feel. James 1:2-4 says that we should consider it great Joy when we face many trials. Joy is a feeling you can have when you know there is more to look forward to. That is the promise God gives us. The promise that we will experience trials in this life but nothing can compare to the Joy that's coming. That ultimate Joy is when we finally make it to heaven to live eternally with Him. That is the Joy you can always look forward to and know that the joy you experience on earth can't even match up to what God's presence brings. Having a joyful outlook on life will always make the good times shine brighter and the bad ones fade away. You can always have joy knowing that God loves you, your mom loves you, and I love you. There is no better feeling than the love of God. Always remember to take joy and understand that the trials are the things that build us up and make us stronger.
Love ya,
Dad
