It truly does not seem like Valentine Day and Good Friday were just literally around the corner. Some of our readers have been fasting and eating carefully during the time when we particularly remember the resurrection of our Savior. Just remember, my friends, each time we partake of the Lord’s Supper we are also remembering His death and resurrection on OUR behalf. I am so grateful for His sacrifice.
A few Sundays ago, our pastor shared his thoughts about I Thessalonians 1. While referring to verses 2-6, in chapter one, it was great to be reminded to give ‘thanks’ continually for the blessings God sends our way. Paul gave thanks for the Thessalonian Christians. As he worked with these Followers of the Way, they in turn, brought JOY to Paul’s heart.
I was prompted to jot down a few events and thoughts that bring JOY to my heart and life. (Yes, yes, I know, I was jotting while Brooks was preaching, but at least I was thinking.)
The first joy that morning was thoughts about the book I had just finished writing and had received some of the first copies. Even the title reflected Paul’s theme of JOY. ‘More Ransom Notes: Walk With JOY,” was just off the press. Writing these simple essays brought this author JOY, and then seeing the cover with JOY featured, also brought a little twinkle and tear.
That same Sunday morning, I saw a smiling face that had been absent for several weeks. As I gave him a hug, my heart leaped with JOY. It was so good to visit briefly and share moments of prayer with an old friend.
Having breakfast weekly with friends helps bring a smile of JOY to my face, as we visit, and I shovel down some eggs and toast into my tummy. Chatting with friends, whether at a weekly breakfast gathering or a quick pause as you push your cart through the grocery store, are such JOYFUL moments. I can’t help but even smile as I write this note about friendship with others.
Of course, I could not omit from my JOYFUL list the thought that even at my feebler age, hitting the little white missile around the giant green lawn, entitled “Golf Course,” brings me much JOY. (Yes, Yes! I do not play par golf by a long shot, but I love being with friends and pretending I am hitting the green swiftly, followed by the welcomed ‘hole in one.’)
That Sunday, as our children’s pastor challenged our senior class to a ‘Kool-Aid’ challenge, my smile was broad. Yes, the ‘white haired ones’ were to bring five-hundred packets of Kool-Aid before the ‘wee-ones’ could produce half-a-thousand packets. I think ultimately, we nudged the youth out of first place, but it does not make any difference. The campers at Lake Springfield Christian Assembly, the Christian camp in the Springfield area, will have a tasty beverage option this summer because of our JOYFUL sharing.
Hopefully each of you can take a few moments and jot down some JOYFUL thoughts. Praise the Lord and give Him thanks. Try to include at least two JOYFUL experiences of yours that relate to Kingdom work.
Kathryn Ransom 