Pure joy…

 Pure joy….

At my class at the local “Y”recently, the area rang with giggles and bubbling laughter of a tiny 2-4 year girl who repeatedly jumped into the pool to her instructor….she obviously loved the water and the instruction…just her enthusiasm brought smiles to all who watched and heard her…the smiles were infectious to the whole crowd who were involved in various pool classes or exercises…

Awhile later, a little boy about the same age, came in crying, holding on to his patient mother’s hand, repeating over and over again, “but, I don’t want to go swimming”….(he finally acquiesced, reluctantly getting in)…

Such contrasts can be found in many situations….joy, reluctance….when meeting new adventures…

The scene in Acts came to mind when Peter and John met a lame man ….not that either one of these children were lame, but the joy exuded from  the little girl gave the wonderous feeling to those around…”walking and leaping and praising God”…joy….

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 

And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 

Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 

And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 

And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 

And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 

And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. 

And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Acts 3:1-10

On the other hand, the little boy, was “Eeyore”, looking for the “downer” things in life, not wanting to try something that might give him delight …or not…His mother faithfully bringing him to the pool…hoping he would receive that fun time in the water…like the friends of the man bringing him to beg for alms…only to receive a much better gift, healing and joy…

What do we look for when faced with the “over and over” events, joy or reluctance?    Am I diligently seeking Joy in the Lord or being dragged along, complaining the whole way,  dreading any change…

My attitude says it all…. 

Thank YOU for the sweet picture in two little lives….

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.

Psalm 5:11

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Psalm 51:12

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Psalm 98:4