PRACTICE: Morgan Freeman in the movie, “The Bucket List,” asked Jack Nicholson two questions, “Have you had joy in your life? Have you brought joy to the people in your life? Take a moment and answer the questions.
I had no problems answering affirmatively to the question of joy in my life. My life is filled with joy. I had to pause when answering the second and ultimately ended with, “I hope so.”
Since I was not secure enough to survey my family and closest friends for a definitive answer to the second question, I decided to let it marinade in my thoughts for a bit. Here is my conclusion. If I am as joy-filled as I proclaim, then those whom I encounter should be as touched by my joy as they would were I a sourpuss. Still, the person that I am right now did not allow me to really think about how I have brought joy to others. I choose instead to share an example of others bringing unexpected joy into my life.
I recently celebrated a milestone birthday! My closest friend/husband was traveling but had left a hidden gift for me to find. My girlfriends celebrated me the day before. My son took me to breakfast. My yoga teacher gave me an unexpected hug and my fellow yogis extended well wishes. The day was filled with text messages and phone calls from near and far. By late afternoon things had settled down and I prepared for a solitary evening and ordered take out from a local favorite restaurant. And then the unexpected happened…a text message from the neighbor next door … “Happy Birthday, come over for dinner! We are having pasta!” Pasta of any kind is a favorite of mine. Not only was pasta served, candles were lighted, happy birthday sang and I became a silly child for a few minute. It was a delightful evening and I shall remember the act of kindness always. Each person that reached out to me could easily answer the question, “have you brought joy to the people in your life,” with a resounding, “yes.”
I believe that the acts of kindness were extended because the givers practice a lifestyle of spreading joy to others. Celebrating me was not an isolated incident their life. It is their way of living. Each has discovered one of the best ways to have joy is to give joy.
Philemon 1:7 - Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
PONDER THIS THOUGHT- My Joy in life is only as complete as the joy that I can help others achieve.
Comments