DEE DAH DAY = JOY COMES WITH THE MORNING

While working on a spiritual disciplines research paper on prayer...I reviewed John Ortberg's book "The Life You've Always Wanted".  He quotes a saying by C.S. Lewis "Joy is the serious business of heaven."  He then goes on to describe the practice of celebration in his household as a "DEE DAH DAY"  ....when one is too happy to hold it in any longer; when words are inadequate to give voice to euphoria - you have to do the DEE DAH DAY dance of joy!

            

            But how do you have a DEE DAH DAY when a loved one is suddenly is taken through an accident; or a neighbor family loses the Father in their family; a member of the military is gunned down in Afghanistan or Iraq?  This has been the kind of week it has been for me.  The overwhelming realization that heaven rejoices as it receives a saint, and the overwhelming sadness for those left behind without the physical presence of their loved one on earth any longer.  I feel that many have grieved, and grieved well. And, oh how we anticipate our own personal timing, the grand entrance to heaven to embrace those waiting for us there.

Jane Hansen Hoyt of Aglow International states:  “Christianity begins with closure! When a tragedy occurs you might hear someone say “I need closure in order to move on with my life.” I’ve got good news. Jesus opened up the new way for all to enter into. He paid the ultimate price to “bring closure” to ALL hurt, pain and disappointment.   

My blessing is in knowing that I do not have perfect faith, but that I am being perfected.  And in my process, I watch the process of others.  And this is what I have noticed – even the Father of Faith, Abraham, did not always have perfect faith.  But he just hung on.  He placed himself in God’s hands.  He kept running his race.  And then he, just like you and me, came to understand the reason we can trust God is that He too understands what it is to walk in darkness.  God does not stand apart from our suffering.  He is not unmoved by the creatures He has created and loves.  He embraces our pain and He suffers with us.  As a church body, as neighbors and friends, we too should embrace the pain and the suffering of others.  And, I do know that Jesus will take me through the hurt, the pain and any disappointment.  I watched the dignity and faith and strength and courage of a woman I admire say goodbye to her sweetheart husband of many years - moving through, embracing, but also giving quiet firm faith, to others as together we grieved.  She has modeled for those with eyes to watch; with eyes to see; with hearts to be transformed.

            In the solitude with Father God, my mind stills and is quiet before him.  I receive peace.  I acknowledge that He is ever present – and I ask for Him to teach me joy, patience, greater love, courage, and forgiveness.  I am thankful for God’s mercy and His love – and the refreshing begins to sweep over me.  I remember the sweet conversations with loved ones, with neighbors, those who have left this earth – and I embrace the joy of having known those who have run their race with endurance, love, integrity and with credibility.  It is my blessing.

To miss out on joy is to miss out on the reason for your existence states Lewis Smedes.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice exhorted Apostle Paul.

The Bible puts joy in the non-optional category...Yikes - Joy is a command!  Joylessness is a serious sin - one that "religious" people are particularly prone to.  However, we heard it loud - we heard it clear during the celebration of life service of a good friend and Christian Brother passing through death to enter heaven…    

Look to the cross!    

Every tick of the clock is a gift from God!

Every day is a DEE DAH Day!  Joy Comes With the Morning!