Sheer Joy
PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND
August 23, 2023
SHEER JOY
The last part of January Diane and I traveled to Fairfax Station, Virginia, to visit our son and his family. One of the reasons for our going was to help our grandson Grayson celebrate his 5th birthday party on January 25th.. Four of his friends from pre-school along with their siblings and parents had been invited. This would be the first time persons other than family members would help him celebrate his natal day.
When Saturday arrived Grayson was expecting his birthday to be like Christmas with the festivities starting in the morning. He was disappointed when the 25th seemed like just any other Saturday. For most of the day Grayson hung out near the front door waiting for his friends to appear. Finally, about 2:00 P.M. the first guest arrived. Grayson was filled with sheer joy. His excitement continued with each arriving group of guest and would not wind down until they all finally left around 4:00 P.M. It was two hours of unbridled energy and exhilaration.
There was some concern about how Grayson would respond when other children might want to play with his toys. His older sister has her own things and pretty much leaves Grayson’s alone. With the arrival of the first guest Grayson was eager to share all of his treasures with his guests. He encouraged them to play with his stuff.
When I think of sheer joy and men’s college basketball the player that immediately comes to mind is Purdue’s 7’3” center Matt Haarms. When he blocks a shot or makes a spectacular dunk, Matt will fist pump and let out a shout that leaves no doubt about his feelings. He carries over this enthusiasm when he is on the bench. When the team makes a great play, Haarms will come bounding off the bench to show his appreciation. Haarms made the fourth spot on ESPN’s “Top Ten” list for Monday, February 4th. The clip showed him blocking a show followed by one of his outbursts. Then blocking a second shot followed by one his team mates catching the ball and passing it to Carson Edwards who made a spectacular basket.
When Haarms has one of his expressions of sheer joy at a home game it will energize the crowd and will provide an added encouragement to his team mates. Garyson’s sheer joy had the same effect on those who attended his birthday party. The introduction of sheer joy has the power to transform a negative and depressing situation into a positive and stimulating one.
Proverbs 17:22 says “A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirt dries up the bones.” In I Thessalonians Paul gives the following advice: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thess. 5:16-18) Both of these texts are a reminder of the importance of joy in the Christian life. And why do Christians have reason to be joyful? Paul gives a clue to the answer in his letter to the Romans: “May the God of hope fill will all with joy and peace in believing, so that you may about in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
Sheer joy can have transformative influence on our lives. Examples of it are to be found for those who have the eyes to see and the ears to hear. These last few weeks I found joy in my grandson celebrating his 5th birthday and Matt Haarms playing basketball. Where might you find it?
This article was originally published February 10, 2019.