There were four levels of joy that our pastor outlined for us. The first is immediate gratification, such as eating a pleasurable food or laughing at a funny joke. This level is temporary and, while enjoyable, often fades from memory within a short period of time. The second level is short-term joy, like from finishing a difficult project. This level requires a greater deal of effort and thus usually has a longer lasting feeling of joy associated with it. However, both of these levels are considered transitory. They are important, but they should not be the full focus of our lives.
The third level is long-term joy. This is from a feeling of satisfaction for doing well in a profession or in raising a family. This type of joy is ongoing, but really comes to fruition near the end of our earthly lives. The final level is eternal joy, attained after our time on Earth has passed. While we do not truly experience this in this existence, we do feel portions of it as we live our lives in ways that bring us closer to God.
On learning about these levels of joy, I immediately thought back to my post from a couple of days ago about things that make my heart lift. All of the items I listed fell into the first two levels. I am still glad for all that I mentioned, but I wonder if I am setting my expectations and goals high enough. I am certainly a creature of the modern world, easily dazzled by the delights that it presents. I feel that I am building towards the third and fourth tiers of joy, but that I could also be more mindful of them as well.
I will not, however, allow myself to worry about joy; that would be counterproductive. Rather, I will accept the joys that God has put into my life while still working towards the greater joys that will come with time.