published: Friday, April 17, 2009

Let's have some joy

Spending time with our grandson, Jonathon, is always a joy. But, during the last two visits that joy has taken a new spin.

"Do you want to have some joy?" he asked as his eyes sparkled in anticipation.

We couldn't wait to see how he defined joy; so, of course, we answered, "Yes How will we have some joy?"

Then he took us by the hand and proceeded to give us each a play task. Pop-Pop was in charge of the train set. Gramma was given responsibility for the airport. And Jonathon settled in with the race track.

Then as we were all busy playing at the same time, he cheerfully said, "Aren't we having joy?!"

At first, it just seemed like his way of getting us to play with him. But, as I observed the actual joy and delight on his face - first, in the question and then in the doing of it - I realized what it meant to him.

As we each took to heart our play assignment, he delighted in watching it all come together. He thoroughly enjoyed the companionship in making it work together. He found joy in being together and harmoniously accomplishing purposeful play.

The key word: together. It got me to thinking about relationships and joy.

It's more fun to share with someone else the things we like to do than to do them by ourselves. Some of my most enjoyable moments are when my husband, Ken, and I share in an activity together.

For example, hiking. The woods and mountains speak to us in a 'soul mate' kind of way as we absorb the beauty of God's creation.

We each enjoy singing. But when we join our voices in harmonious praise, the joy is indescribable.

The same should be true of the church.

God gifted us individually for his glory - to show forth his presence, beauty and power in our lives. However, when we come together corporately, we enfold our individual gifts with the gifts of others.

Work projects, special events or worship services where we lift our voices in praise express joy to God through togetherness.

In God's Word we are taught in Hebrews 10: 25, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Jesus is risen. And he is coming back. In the meantime, believers should come together and 'have some joy!'

Selah

Jan Merop of Sebring is a News-Sun correspondent.