DELIGHT OUR HEARTS WITH JOY: REARRANGE

MONDAY, WEEK THREE: JOY

How will we rearrange our heart-rooms with space, our priorities with time, for the Joy of God in Christ? With a few schedule changes, how might we find time for practices that add meaning, delight, and creativity to life, that draw us closer to God and bring Joy to our spirits? Can we trade some of our usual time fillers with other choices that add Joy and inspiration? There are also ways to add moments of Joy to our everyday (and often busy) routines, such as listening to music as we prepare meals, lighting a candle on our work desk, being mindful to the beauty of creation on our morning commute.

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Along with rearranging our spaces and schedules for these practices, today I also think of the Joy that arises when I rearrange my attitude or perspective. When I can approach an unpleasant task or act of kindness with the sole intention of blessing another, I often come away surprised by Joy, blessed by the spirit in which it was completed. During trying times, Joy can spring up if I keep my attention on God’s near and caring presence. When Jim and I are going through trials, we like to remind ourselves of the Joy found in our partnership, that we are grateful to journey together with God.

The Joy of God in Christ is here with us, ready to uplift our souls each time our perspective is centered in childlike wonder, in faithful servanthood, or in infinite mystery.

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I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete (John 15:11).

What are “these things” that Jesus said? Jesus instructed his disciples (and us) that Joy comes through abiding in him, abiding in love, abiding in his commandments. When we live our days with this sacred perspective, Joy will arise–and may even surprise.

(In one of Emily P. Freeman’s recent podcasts, Emily Ley shares a few nightly rituals that bring her joy and peace. You may enjoy listening to The Next Right Thing, Episode 305: Creating an Evening Routine with Emily Ley; https://emilypfreeman.com/podcast/305/)

Bible verse is NRSVUE found at https://www.biblegateway.com/
Photo by Karen (our handbell director gave us these pins years ago–I miss the joy of ringing!)