Always Joyful!

Always Joyful

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you

and that your joy may be complete.”

(John 15:11)

Torquay, Devon, UK

            Joy is in the heart and our heads seem to want to control it. Does that make sense? What I mean is that the Holy Spirit is always with us and sometimes we do not recognize its presence. Several years ago on a very rainy visit to England we awoke to our eighth or ninth day of rain. We were in the seaside village of Torquay in Devon and the rain was pelting down. We just had breakfast with 50-60 other hotel guests; some joyful and others sorrowful.

            One fellow was looking forward to his round of golf wearing his wellington boots and slicker. He loves his golf and was very positive about the day. Another was going to catch up on his reading in the lounge and then take a walk to a restaurant for lunch. I am writing and then walking in the expected rain! We are the positive force in the room! The spirit of joy and peace is with us.

            Several others have long faces and are complaining about the rain. Their heads have taken control and they are missing out on their joy. Yes, there will not be any sunning on the beach, sitting under the palms and the umbrellas will be use to stay dry rather than protect us from the sun. They are missing the point. We are in a beautiful place with great people. The views are magnificent; the food great and there is always tomorrow!

            This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Thought for Today: Today let’s recognize that we can be full of joy or worry. Let’s choose to be joyful.

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord and Father, today we give thanks for people; the individuals that make up humanity. You created them all different but somehow in your image. They come in all sizes and shapes, worship you in many different ways but are overwhelmingly great to know.

Amen