"Countless people experience their existence as dull, boring, stagnant, and routine. They lack vitality, a deep desire to be alive. For them, every day is just another day, often filled with many things to do, but seldom offering profound human satisfaction. This is the experience of living without bearing fruit. But fortunately, some men and women have a deep sense of their value - precisely because they are in touch with the life-giving quality of their existence. Their joy brings forth joy, and their peace brings forth peace. They make us aware of the holy contagiousness of all that lives." Henri Nouwen

What makes the difference between the two different experiences? I think it is the awareness of God in the second group. That awareness includes the love God has for them and their value in his eyes. They are aware that he delights in them. Their existence is not routine, but a response to the Lord. Thus, the joy and peace. They have a purpose for being and living each day. They seek to fulfill that purpose to the best of their ability. This attitude is a choice that needs to be made consciously in the midst of the routineness of life. In choosing to be joyful, they become a light to others. Which existence do you desire?