World Happiness Day – What Is There To Be Happy About?
A few years ago, one of our customers met me in the foyer of one of the nurseries God gave us to steward and asked, “Can I ask you a question?” I said, “Yes.” She continued, “I have been watching you since I started bringing my child to the nursery, and I have never seen you unhappy once. Are you always on drugs?”
I smiled and replied, “It’s not that I don’t face challenges, but there is a virtue inside me that turns on my joy tap regardless of what I am going through. I don’t use any Class A, B, or C drugs, nor am I on any happiness-inducing medication. I choose to let the joy of the Lord be my strength.”
Happiness VS Joy – What's The Difference?
Yesterday was World Happiness Day, but for many, happiness seems fleeting. The truth is, happiness is circumstantial, but joy is a spiritual virtue.
Happiness comes and goes based on what happens around us—good news, an easy day, or a pleasant surprise. But joy? Joy is different. Joy is anchored deep within; it is a choice, a mindset, and a spiritual gift that is not controlled by external events.
The Bible reminds us: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
When happiness fades, joy remains. When challenges arise, joy carries us through. The world can take away comforts, stability, and even peace, but it cannot steal our joy—unless we let it.
Why Should We Be Joyful?
In a world filled with uncertainty, war, inflation, stress, and negativity, joy might seem unrealistic. But let’s pause and reflect:
✔ You woke up this morning—that’s a gift.
✔ You have family, friends, and loved ones.
✔ You have food to eat, clothes to wear, and a roof over your head.
✔ You are still standing, despite life’s challenges.
✔ You have a community—at home, at work, and in faith—that supports you.
In our WMB Childcare family, we have even more reasons to be joyful:
✨ Our children are healthy, happy, and learning.
✨ Our staff are passionate and dedicated.
✨ Our nurseries are thriving.
✨ We have been entrusted with the privilege of shaping young lives.
What more do we need to rejoice?
The Secret To True Joy
Joy is not about pretending that life is easy. It’s about choosing to focus on what we have rather than what we lack. It’s about remembering, as the Apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
It’s no wonder that great leaders and thinkers throughout history have emphasized joy:
- Mother Teresa reminded us, “Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.”
- Helen Keller, who overcame unimaginable challenges, said, “Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow.”
If people who have faced great trials can still find joy, then so can we.
Spreading Joy In A Joyless World
The world needs more joy, and we can be the ones to bring it. Today, I challenge every parent, child, and staff member in our WMB Childcare family:
🌟 Find one thing to be joyful about today.
🌟 Do something to bring joy to someone else—a kind word, a smile, or a helping hand.
🌟 Choose gratitude over complaints.
🌟 Laugh, play, and enjoy the little moments.
Let’s be people who radiate joy—not because everything is perfect, but because we recognize that joy is a choice. And as we walk in joy, we become a light in the darkness for those around us.
“Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces shall never be ashamed.” (Psalm 34:5)
So today, no matter what’s going on in the world, let’s turn on our joy tap and let it flow freely!
With joy,
Andrew Omole
CEO, WMB Childcare Ltd
