B is for Bliss

Recently, positively has been warming my soul from others. It seems that even when a situation is negative or has the possibility of negativity a positive light arises (see how I snuck the last ABC Soup in there). I wanted to continue this positive vibe by writing about a word that seems to never be used sarcastically and contains so much joy.

Number 2 for the series ABC Soup:

B IS FOR BLISS

Bliss defined by Merriam-Webster is complete happiness.

Bliss defined by Myself-Will is happiness that goes beyond the expected joy.

I redefined bliss for two reasons: 1) I have a priest that occasionally reads the blog. He offers nothing but reinforcement, but I could feel his brow furrow in theological disagreement if I were to use a word meaning "complete happiness" and then not talk about something relating to Christ or love or heaven. 2) I came up with that second definition before I looked up the technical one. I thought it embodied the examples and how I want to incorporate bliss into my vernacular.

My Bliss Examples from people in my life:

Jack talking about energy transfer, mint chocolate chip ice cream, or country music. Momma Fray's love for giraffes. Hannah's love to celebrate others and the Enneagram. Emily's love for her dog or ice cream/granola. Jordan's love for animated movies. Kelsey's love for sad songs and soft clothing. Drew's love for coloring. My dad's love for coaching and any joke requiring the Batman voice. My mom's love for junior mint or helping someone else. Erik's love for Katy Perry, Schoolboy Q, and describing delicious, healthy food he cooked. Kylie's love for ducks. Chad's love for superhero movies. Literally anytime Clay is excited about anything. Wyatt's love for weird debate topics. I could go on and on and probably think of a bunch more for each person.

I understand that it may just seem like I just wrote about different things that each of these people likes. True, but not the fullness of truth. These people carry such a joy about them for these things that it's contagious and the joy rubs off on others. It's blissful. Just writing the different things put a smile on my face thinking about their joy.

First of all, never be ashamed of the things that make you blissful. Joy is always bettering the world whether someone else's judgment confirms it or not. Secondly, bliss is definitely more contagious when you love the person who is blissful. I get stoked to debate with random people, listen to Katy Perry bangers, think about energy transfer, or watch trailers to Marvel movies. I love it.

When our hearts start to live for Christ, this bliss begins to live within us for Him as well. I've been inspired by a couple of people at college who I could tell they were Christian without a conversation about religion and I wanted to join in whatever was making them happy. Our lives will have beautiful people who are believers, non-believers, unsure, apathetic, etc. Our faith can rub off on them because of strength in the faith struggle, a greater purpose for our actions, but I think the greatest influence can be bliss.

God bliss ;) and pray for me that I can be the hands and feet of Christ as I go on a mission trip this fall break!