Throb.

I have begun the year diligently reading the Readings of the Day as part of a larger 75-Day challenge with some friends. Together, we eagerly seek better habits that effect tangible change. Of all the changes I desire in my life, experiencing joy more frequently is the primary one.

This version of yesterday’s first reading in my Every Sacred Sunday really stood out to me:

“Then you shall be radiant at what you see,
your heart shall throb and overflow,
for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you,
the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.

The word throbbing literally makes my toe hurt. If you’ve ever hit the door frame with your toes, you know. (And, don’t ask me why I do that very often… I’m really unsure.)

Leave it to Scripture to use the better of all the words! Maybe it never dawned on me that you can throb for good. Is it possible that I can beat with joy with the regularity I desire? 

Joy is such a weird word - overused, removed from its virtuous context, misunderstood, and trite at times. Simply, it is a state of mind beyond my feelings, a heart orientation towards that which is good which synonymously means a heart oriented toward God. With my mind, I know the throbbing of joy is only found in Him. Every moment is holy in Him. But, is my heart I desire to convert - to live with a steady pulsation in Christ.

So here’s to spending the next many weeks orienting myself… with Scripture, with discipline, and with the Sacraments.

I hope I slam the door frame of Joy so hard this year.