DELIGHT OUR HEARTS WITH JOY: DECLUTTER

SUNDAY, WEEK THREE: JOY

How will we make space for more of God’s Joy in Christ this week? What clutter obstructs our Joy? As you clear your heart-room, would you find a burden of responsibility, the monotony of a daily routine, a cloud of sorrow? Could the ever-present Joy in Christ remain unseen by inattention or lack of expectation?

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An old memory came to mind when I began decluttering. I was a young service representative in the billing department, asking my supervisor to stop having me fill in as an extra cashier during the busiest times of each month. I felt frustrated and stressed by my constant busyness–enduring several days with long lines of paying customers, then returning to my unattended desk to find unfiled records and delinquent accounts. My supervisor shrugged, informing me that I was needed there. Indignantly, I asked her who would fill in “if I happened to be absent.” She paused and then replied, “No one is indispensable here.” Ouch. My arrogance was called out and my spirit was humbled.

Now I find Joy in the freedom of this insight: I am needed–but I am not indispensable.

My self-induced pressure to do well was a Joy-cluttering form of egotism. Instead of being distraught about my paperwork, I could have calmly handled one file at a time; my supervisor understood why my desk was in disarray. Instead of being stressed about the long lines at the cashier window, I could have joyfully served the one person before me. Being present to the task at hand would have made my days and my spirit more joyful.

In the same way, I can love and serve with greater Joy when I keep in mind that I am only one person–finite, limited, human. Yes, I am needed; I am an integral part of God’s holy purposes. But I am not indispensable; where I lack time or talent, others are serving with theirs. I believe God does not ask for perfection or completion, but rather that I serve with a glad and generous heart–a heart filled with Joy–for each present moment.

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And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17, emphasis mine)

The Joy of God in Christ does abide in our heart-rooms. As we remove our joy-inhibiting clutter, may we find, savor, and share this Joy–in whatever we do.

Bible verse is NRSVUE, found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
Photo by Karen