Living a Life of Joy

The God who gives us dreams, makes them come true.

What is the secret to living a life of joy?  Living a life of joy does not mean, as some think, that your life is perfect, that you have no problems or concerns.  Instead, joy comes from living a life inspired by God.  Matthew 25:21 provides the recipe for living a life of joy.

“His master said,” Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.”   said to him, “

Some translations say, “come and share your master’s happiness,” others say, “let’s celebrate together.”  In any translation, the message is clear, when we are faithful with what we have been given, we will live a life of joy.

This well-known parable reminds us that we have each been given talents (gifts) that are to be used, we are not to hide our talents; instead, we are to “invest” them and maximize what we have.  When we do so, we are told that we will be blessed with more. In order to use all the talents given to us by God will require blind faith.  Faith to step out and go where we have not gone before.  In The Fulfillment Principle, author Bob Westfall provides a clear plan of action to life a life of joy.

First, we must identify our talents.  What are your passions and desires? These have been given to us by God to lead us to our talents.  In order to identify your talents, begin by asking yourself what you like to do; what are you passionate about; what brings you the greatest joy? Since your talents may not line up with what you are doing on a day-to-day basis, the key is to find ways to merge your passions with your present-day realities.  Then, look for ways to use these passions (talents) for God.  As Bob Westfall says, “when you give yourself up for God’s use and invest your talents for His purpose, then you find the true meaning of life –and abundant joy.  It’s what you were meant for.”  This is not a joy that lasts only during good circumstances, but is instead a deep-seated joy that rises up from the core of your being.  It’s a joy that can’t be extinguished.  It is the essence of a fulfilled life.”

Debbie DiVirgilio has more than 20 years experience in the non-profit sector.  She presently owns and is the principal consultant of DiVirgilio & Associates, a nonprofit consulting firm that specializes in serving the needs of nonprofits, government agencies and faith-based organizations.  Since starting the firm eight years ago, Ms. DiVirgilio has acquired more than $20 million in funds to support the needs of individuals and communities. Prior to starting the firm, Ms. DiVirgilio was employed in the nonprofit sector where she worked for educational, human service and medical nonprofits. Ms. DiVirgilio holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences from Wilmington College and a Masters Degree in Non-Profit Management from Regis University.  She is a Grant Professional Certified as conferred by the Grant Professional Institute and has served on the Board of Directors of the Grant Professionals Association for the past three years.  She served as Vice President of the Association in 2010 and has served as President in 2011 and 2012.   In addition to managing her consulting firm, Ms. DiVirgilio is an active volunteer for several community-based organizations.