Last week I attended the thanksgiving service of a dear friend. As one person after another shared their memories, I was struck by how many talked about her joy. Her joy in Jesus, her love for God’s Word, her exuberant attitude to life and her love for everyone she met, had impacted so many. She had struggles and health issues and was on her own, yet joy constantly showed in her demeanour and flowed through her words. It reminded me of how the disciples described Jesus – ‘full of joy through the Holy Spirit.’ It was what they noticed when they were with him, and how they wanted him to be remembered. He wasn’t like the rulebound Pharisees, aloof, self-righteous and judging but ready to laugh and delight in the simplest things.
Joy is infectious, it gives life and creates hope and purpose. Nehemiah told the Israelites as they prepared to return from exile, that ‘the joy of the Lord is your strength,’ (Nehemiah 8:10) There is something about sharing joy together that makes weariness melt away and strength rise in its place. Marilyn and I have had quite a difficult time recently, but as we talked and laughed together with some dear friends, my heart was filled with joy. This joy is now strengthening me to walkthrough this roller coaster season with a smile in my heart. That is a precious gift.
Our friend’s love of God’s Word was another recurring tribute. and people were laughing as they remembered her scattiness and tendency to lose her keys and handbags. But they pointed out that she never lost God’s presence as she always‘hid his Word in her heart.’ I found that very inspiring. It was the secret of her living a joy filled life whatever her circumstances. She wasn’t rich financially, but she had created a legacy of joy that is now reaching across the world. As the pastor said,‘she was small in stature, but great in love and joy.’ What a tribute!
In our broken world, I also want to be someone who creates a joy legacy. We don’t need big platforms or following. All we need is to hide God’s love in our hearts and live from that foundation. To bring comfort to a friend who is mourning,friendship to someone who feels alone and the gift of joy when all hope has been lost are the most precious gifts which transform lives and create a lasting impact.
Prayer – Lord thank you for the wonderful legacy of joy which we see in the lives of those we love. We long for your joy to be the hallmark of our own lives and to create a lasting joy legacy that will impact all we meet. Amen.
