PEACE & JOY EXIST INSIDE YOU

“Peace and joy exist right there within you–all the time–even when you are in the midst of difficult circumstances. And whether you can access them is not dependent upon your moods or your reactions to external circumstances. And, this gift of joy takes a bit of practice to receive. It takes intention. It takes desire. It takes faith.” (source Gather Ministries)

This paragraph is from a devotional I used during part of my sabbatical. Titled “Reaching for Joy” this excerpt truly defines for me an ability to experience joy in all that life gives, whether moments of extreme highs or depths of lowliness. I like that the writer says “this gift of joy takes practice to receive” affirming that when hard stuff comes along there IS a way to reach the other side of feeling devastated, alone, or having no hope.

I’m a people person. Sometimes that characteristic has driven my family nuts. When our son was a youngster he actually asked me “do you have to talk to people wherever we go?” Yes. Yes, I do. I am an extrovert who is fueled by meeting and conversing with people whether strangers, family, or friends.

So, naturally, when I went north for several days alone during my sabbatical, I literally asked God to allow me to meet people, to place folks on my path for divine appointments or mere conversation. And, He’s so faithful. He comes through every time I ask this request.

One evening north I was able to enjoy an early dinner with a niece that we don’t see often through the year due to distance. She actually lives south of Traverse City. She chose a restaurant near where I was staying and our evening started out great as we began to catch up on life over a drink. Soon, the restaurant filled with “locals” (we found out later that that Thursday was their reopening for a new summer season for vacationers on Torch Lake. Couples and families stood near the entrance waiting for an empty table. We were at a six top and as we were finishing our salads, a woman approached asking if they could join us–herself and a married couple–all about my age. “Sure!” we said. That’s how we met Murray, Patty, and Theresa. Over the next hour or so three strangers asked questions, listened and laughed over shared experiences. 

As is often the case, the questions turned to “what do you do?” Ashley shared about being a doctor on staff at Munson Medical in their physical therapy department. I replied that I was active in lay ministry for Celebrate Recovery. They all marveled over our “work” but it was Theresa who leaned in closer so-to-speak taking our new connection to a deeper more personal level.

Without much hesitation she told us that she understood the 12 steps of recovery very well. I had explained to her that not everyone who attends Celebrate Recovery is an addict, that I had entered the program to deal with anger and eventually my own sugar addiction. Theresa immediately latched on to understanding anger. To my astonishment she relayed details surrounding the death of her young adult son, actually describing the incident as an unsolved murder. If that loss wasn’t enough to endure, she’s also a widow. As I listened to her I didn’t detect bitterness, deep seeded anger or lack of hope. On the contrary, even while divulging a very personal difficult time in her life to me, her countenance remained peaceful and engaged in “life”. 

Also stemming from her conversation came celebrating Patty’s 20 year cancer remission, joined by Theresa declaring her own 10 year remission from cancer…all of which we gladly raised our glasses in a toast to God’s goodness and renewed health.

As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. (John 15: 9-11)

Imagine my pleasure meeting and spending time with three people who at first were complete strangers asking for a place at our restaurant table. Further imagine my delight getting to know them, devouring our moments together, fully realizing we will most likely never cross paths again. And, before you think I’m saying it’s easier said than done to triumph over horrific events in life, nothing could be further than the truth. Life is hard. Life can be very unfair. It certainly was for Theresa but that’s not the woman I met. I became acquainted with someone who lived through her circumstances and is now on the “other side”, abiding in God’s love and promises for her.

I love that in the midst of my time with Murry, Patty, and Theresa–along with my niece–that I remarked to her “isn’t it fun to share a table with people you don’t know” and her response will always echo in my memories ….”yes–! And we’ll keep making the table bigger so more people can join us”.

Joy isn’t connected to worldly circumstances. True joy is rooted in the deeper reality of God’s goodness. (Gather Ministries, Reaching for Joy Devotional)

My advice to you? My challenge to you? Next time you’ve got empty chairs at your dining table, invite someone to join you. Or, if you’re like Theresa, walk up to a few people and say “can we join you?”

I promise, something of God’s goodness will happen.