Overcoming Cynicism With Joy

I just completed my part of chapter six of the book on A Mellow Heart that I am co-writing with my sister Sharon. Although I use personal story throughout the book, this chapter is solely my story. In it, I recount how I rediscovered my happy-go-lucky youth after years of dealing with anger, bitterness and cynicism. I can’t believe how cathartic this writing has been. Basically, I rediscovered the joy of life by going inward through many spiritual disciplines after failing to change the world outwardly. I discovered that I can be both the class clown and be concerned with social justice; that I can care about the world’s injustices and still smile. I am made in God’s image, and that image can be found not only within myself, but also in whatever outer circumstances beset me. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11.