Finding Joy
This is joy! I don’t mean me, Joy; I mean JOY – the deep-seated state of being that comes from truly knowing who you are and choosing to walk freely in it. This is joy that comes from breaking free from the past, breaking free from what others might say or think, breaking free from fear of failure or foolishness. I’ve said before that to feel deeply is to be fully alive – and that includes the greatest joys as well as the deepest pains. While there is a time to mourn and weep, there is also a time to dance and laugh. It says so right there in the Bible. It’s all part of this abundant life.
I recently had the opportunity to participate in a women’s ministry talent show. Since I knew what everyone would expect from me, I decided to do something no one would anticipate. Much to my own surprise, I found myself re-writing the Fresh Prince theme song to include a part of my personal testimony. And in keeping with the 90’s theme, I also dressed the part and did my best attempt to choreograph a mash up version of The Carlton, the Macarena and a line dance. What in the actual heck was I thinking???
I was thinking that I tend to take myself much too seriously and don’t laugh nearly as often as I should. And quite frankly, I just wanted to have fun with it! But my excitement waned quickly as I watched nearly 100 women fill the room. I came SO close to forgetting the whole thing. No way. Uh uh. Not gonna happen. I was at the brink of letting fear get another win when a friend grabbed me by the shoulders and looked me square in the face (okay, she didn’t actually do that, but she might as well have!). She said, “You HAVE to do it! You will inspire someone!”
Did I go for it? YES.
Did I make a fool of myself? QUITE LIKELY.
Did I inspire someone? I can only hope.
Did I thoroughly enjoy every second of it?
A.B.S.O.L.U.T.E.L.Y!!!!!
There I was, in all my 90’s glory, at center stage for those 3 minutes. And I’m telling you what – something broke in me. Broke open. Broke loose. Broke free. I know it sounds ridiculously silly, but it was ridiculously liberating! In those moments I found new joy. I discovered a new part of Joy, a part I’d like to get better acquainted with.
Sometimes we forget to laugh, to allow ourselves to be silly, to risk appearing the fool. We forget to have fun. God delights in us when we delight in Him. Joy should be a significant part of this abundant life. My senior pastor occasionally asks me if I am living up to my name. Oh, how I want the joy of the Lord to be evidenced in my life! Whether I am teaching, writing, working, worshiping, enjoying family game night, or hanging out with my tribe of women, it is my heart’s desire to exude joy.
And believe it or not, it is totally possible to delight in the Lord while dressed like the Fresh Prince, dancing like Carlton and laughing so hard your sides hurt. So go ahead. Take a risk. Appear foolish. Have fun. Find joy!
