Essay on Joy

This was the rule when the boys were in school: Mama proofreads all essays!  Not only is she a perfectionist, which is not always a blessing, she knows her stuff.  It also doesn't hurt she’s a writer and can suggest oodles of different ways to say the same thing!

What if we were called to write a treatise on joy?  Perhaps we’d have to wait for the "perfect" day -- a calm day, void of frustrations and aggravations.  And, just how long would we have to wait for such a day? Sometimes I find myself living as if peddling furiously on a stationary bike -- same chores, same scenery, same routine ... the word "joy" is just another word lacking real meaning.  The Apostle Paul wrote his discourse on joy in horrible circumstances: confined within the dreary walls of prison, chained to a Roman guard.  His letter to the church at Philippi could have been riddled with complaints, bitterness, and pessimism, but it wasn't.  One of the most profound passages of encouragement and genuine joy is found in Philippians: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things ... And the God of peace will be with you." (4:8 & 9b)  Paul's essay describes a life absorbed and immersed in joy, rendering a heart that knows the depth and extent of God's Love in Christ Jesus, and a life committed to "shine like stars in the universe" as it holds out the word of life to others (4:15-16)  Well, we may never be called to pen an essay on joy in the literal sense, but we live one each day.  What does our essay of joy say?  Don't forget -- the world is proofreading it!