over-joyed

Every been over-joyed? Not overjoyed, as in; I am just overjoyed to find out that my friend is pregnant after years of infertility, or; I'm overjoyed at the chance to have a day off while the sun is out so I can go to the ocean with my family. No, over-joyed, as in over-worked, over-whelmed, over-come, only not with too much work, pain, or exhaustion: with too much joy. That's how I feel lately. There is more joy set before me, more to look forward to than I can even think about in one thought, and more than I expected this year to have in it. How much joy can I even hold? I have more than I can handle with these hands.

When I get to talk to someone about what we will be doing in Kibuye, this thrill just gushes out and when we are done talking, I'm breathless with the invigoration of all of it. Probably the ordinary life of working and raising a family, although it's fun (no offense, fam) has dulled my thrill-nerve, and it is suddenly exposed by the opportunity to do something amazing. And probably, there has been amazing stuff to do all around me all this time that I was dull to, as well. What I mean is, it's not Rwanda or this work after all that is the source of all this ridiculous joy: it's giving yourself to people for a purpose that is simple and essential, and actually appreciating the process because it has a beauty -in the planning and in the doing- that feels like a gigantic perfect rose bloom opening in my face. Like that one from Maria's garden.

The bible says that Jesus did what he did for the joy set before him. In Hebrews 12:2, it says:

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

That was his motivator: JOY. I love that about him. It inspires me to let joy source my life like an underground reservoir for action, for dreaming, for plans and for purpose. The version of the bible called The Message, puts the same verse in modern words:

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever.

Are you over-joyed? Want to be? Ask. I know I'm getting all preachy, but hang in for a sec. Today I read in Luke 11 (on the subject of Fathers, since it is Father's Day this Sunday) that ANY Dad (even an average Dad -if there is such a thing) will give his child a snack when they ask, and not slip a snake into his hands instead. This is the image Jesus uses to answer the question: how should we pray? Pray like a kid asking his Dad for a snack: totally sure that because he loves you, he won't let you go hungry. That, times a gazillion = God your father's desire to answer you.

So, here's the deal. Ask for joy. Let me know what happens.