PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND

January 16, 2022

JOY

Katherine Center in her book What You Wish For has an interesting discussion about the importance of joy. (What You Wish For, Reader’s Digest, p. 186)  Max Kempner shares with Samantha Casey (Sam) the following observation: “Pay attention to the things that connect you with joy. … Joy is important.  Joy cures everything emotional. Joy is an antidote to fear. To anger. To boredom.  To sorrow.” When Sam , comments  “But you can’t just decide to feel joyful;” Sam responds.  “True.  But you can decide to do something joyful. You can hug somebody. Or tickle somebody. Or wear a flower hat to work.”

While we do not have control over many, we do have control over our actions.  We can intentionally decide to do one thing every day that we find joyful, that gives us pleasure, that makes us feel good.  To take this small step can have a huge impact on how we experience life.  It has the potential to turn us from a pessimist to an optimist, from dreading each new day to looking forward to it with anticipation, from seeing life as being half empty to being half full.

In his letter to the Philippians Paul suggests that we also have a choice over the content of our thinking.  “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil.4:8)  In I Thessalonians the Apostle writes, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.  Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.” (I Thess. 5:16-22)

We all have some degree of control of the objects around us.  We can be intentional about surrounding ourselves with objects that bring us pleasure and joy.  Pictures of loved ones, friends and important events can give good feelings and a positive outlook on life.  I have a lot of items that I have collected over the years.  Many of them have a story behind them.  One such object is a flowery tie that was given to me by one of the persons who came for a Lay Witness Mission at the Crown Point United Methodist Church.  Every time I wear it or even notice it I am reminded of him and the inspirational weekend renewal experience.

An important time to be intentional about putting some joy into one’s life is when one knows one will have to deal with a difficult or disagreeable situation.  While the situation can not be avoided, the negative vibes that it is sure to produce can be tempered.  If you are going to have to talk with a negative person, plan to talk with a positive person either before or after the conversation.

By the actions we take, by the thoughts we have, by the objects with which we surround ourselves we can put joy in our lives.  In the adversarial, antagonistic and polarized times in which we live for our own mental health we need to be intentional to counter the negative with joy.  One small experience of joy can make an enormous difference.

“Find a place inside where there’s joy,

and the joy will burn out the pain.”

Joseph Campbell