You are JOY.

What is the most joyful thing you can think of? Is it an event, a person or a prized possession?

I have a black-and-white photo of our grandson and his mom in my dining room. Both are laughing, and the boy is sticking out his tongue, which he often did as a baby.

When my daughter-in-law gave it to me, she knew it would make me laugh. It always does.

A baby's first smile is newsworthy in family circles. Tickles and giggles. Playing peek-a-boo with a toddler.

Children love to play. They laugh easily. They exude JOY.

What if JOY was an ever-present companion to play with you?

What game would you play?

I would play kickball – barefoot and carefree – just as I did as a child. In my game, the wind would whip through my long blond hair as I ran around the bases. I would always kick straight and strong. I would be a "wind girl" – a name my grade-school-aged son called me once when I ran towards him.

What if Joy was at the pitcher's mound and knew best how to throw to you? How about Joy running with you hand-in-hand – like an imaginary friend?

As I imagine this scene, it conjures up feelings of joy, freedom and fun. This memory bounces to my heart. As I turn my awareness to my heart, it expands into my chest and beyond my body.

What brings you JOY? Imagine it now and breathe it in and out. Slow the out-breath and make it longer. Tattoo JOY across your chest in imaginary ink. You are that.

Everpresent JOY is your birthright as a soul. JOY is your home. JOY is your essence.

We all originate from the same place – a place of eternal light and love.

The ancient and ever-living Scriptures encourage us to "Consider it all JOY."