“…With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” Isaiah 12:3

Daily Joy

The picture on our 2019 family card reminds me of an incredibly joyful time – celebrating our parents’ 50thwedding anniversary in Kenya. Equal to that was the six months of secret preparations that went on between my sister, aunt, cousin, and I. The day finally came on February 6, 2019, when we pulled off the surprise of a lifetime (an “epic” moment as my sister and I like to describe it)—and, my sister and her husband showed up in Kenya! I can still hear myself joyfully shouting as we welcomed them, “YES!” as my sister and I gave each other high-fives while Dad and Mom wept in disbelief and immense joy.

The theme for this season of our ministry, Living Room International, is “Be Surprised By Joy.” As Henri Nouwen states: “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” To be honest, joy is not always what I feel or what I choose. But I’m working on it. During my first visit to Kenya 21 years ago, I was given the Kalenjin name “Chebaibai,” which means someone who is joyful. I have cherished that name; it is a reminder to me to choose joy.

In 1996, I visited the continent of Africa for the first time. There is a moment from that journey forever etched in my mind. I can see it now as if I had just seen it yesterday. During our visit to Soweto township in South Africa, a young boy caught my attention. With joy-filled eyes and a sparkling smile, he enthusiastically was running down the pot-holed dirt road masterfully pushing and guiding a rubber bicycle tire with a wooden stick—a common pastime for children in this part of the world. Up to that point in my life, I had not seen joy from such simplicity. My own children now play this game with as much joy as I remember that boy exuding 23 years ago, and it remains a reminder to me to choose joy.

In 2019, our family experienced deep pain and unexpected loss as well as great joy and victory. “It’s possible to feel joy in difficult times. Joy can share its space with other emotions. Happiness is not present in darkness and difficulty. Joy never leaves it. Joy undergirds our spirits; it brings to life peace and contentment” (Compassion International). As we focus on choosing joy, I asked my family: “What brings you joy?” Here are a few of their responses:

… Love.

… That I serve a God who answers prayers.

… The fact that God keeps our family together.

… Through many heaven-sent people, I am a changed person. When I look back where I was and where I am right now, it is a complete miracle.

… God is by my side.

As we choose to follow Jesus, there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Joy through victories. Joy through trials and pain. May you be reminded and encouraged to choose joy in 2020; and as you do, may your hearts be full.

Lord, help us choose joy, today and every day! Amen.