There is a fabulous verse in the book of Philippians that says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!” The apostle Paul seems to be encouraging his friends in the Philippian congregation to reconnect to gratitude and to remember their sense of blessedness– a Rejoice Reboot!
Recently I read an article in a health and spirituality magazine describing the spiritual, physical, and psychological benefits of recalling blessedness. A photo collage of faces accompanied the article. The people depicted in it had been asked to write on a card their answer to a question, “What brings you joy?” A spiritual joy I received in looking at the picture was to see the many smiling faces with their different answers and wondering about each one’s story. But I have to admit that my favorite was the lady who wrote COFFEE, FRIENDS, FAMILY front and center in big letters, and Jesus, as an afterthought, in tiny letters in the corner of her paper. That brought me a bemused smile in the middle of a busy day!
Joy comes in many sizes, shapes, and forms. Inexplicably it comes, even in the midst, or alongside of, what also has the potential to break it all apart. No doubt you’ve experienced the surprise of joy that just shows up even in the hardest of times.
And so, I ask you the question. What brings you joy? It is such a simple question that contains within its answers important reminders of connection, of abundance, of possibility.
These days are filled with joy for me–big and small joys, abundant, poured out, running over. To celebrate my awareness and gratitude–I took two photos to add to my blog. The first is a photo of my desk at UCG. In the photo you can see my Tervis that says, “Nurse” on it. During Nurses’ Week, I am supremely grateful for the courageous and knowledgeable nurses whose dedication and hard work have instructed, healed, and nurtured countless individuals. You also can see one of the brochures that Natalie King left for us after she spoke to us on Sunday about the work of the S.E.E.K. Community Center. Their mission is to “offer hope to inner city families by empowering, educating, and equipping them to succeed.” The Social Justice Committee is preparing us to be the best partners we can be in the important work of S.E.E.K. In the areas where justice has been denied, how hopeful to know that empowerment, education, and opportunity are making a way. And onions are there in the picture, too. Yes, indeed, friends, Vidalia onions! They were brought to me by John and Fonda Eyler. Next to Jesus (and my family, UCG, the sea, bats, looking up at the tree canopy, riding my bike, and doing some Zumba-like activities) , some onions bring me JOY! My life is blessed because these friends cared for me and showed up at the office bearing onions! Their love will season my heart and my salad!
The second photo is my first selfie. Selfies generally do not bring me joy, but this one does! It reminds me how grateful I am for wonderful YOU! Which is my favorite part of UCG–YOU! Love and joy today and every day! P.S. Send us a selfie of what brings you joy! It’s fun and will remind us of all the blessings!
