A friend and I sat at a Tim Hortons catching up over some coffee. Next to us sat two women. They sat quietly, almost as if they were eavesdropping on our conversation. If they were, I didn’t really care. Occasionally they shared a few a comments with each other, but their conversation fizzled out quickly. But one thing struck me about the nature of their conversations.
Courtesy of Austin Schmid from Unsplash.com
Every comment that left their mouth was negative, sarcastic, or cynical. The two women lacked any sense of joy.
This particular observation is not an anomaly. Lack of joy, forced sarcasm, and cynicism are characteristics that stand out to me on a daily basis. It almost seems as if the default setting on some people is to convey a lack of joy.
A woman once asked me how I was. I responded with “Better than I deserve!” Seemingly offended she responded, “Why are you so happy?” as if our default position ought to be negativity as opposed to joy. I’d like to share with you a little about the women who taught me to be a joyful person.
Mary, A Lowly Jewish Girl
As Christmas nears, the familiar images of the nativity scene become more familiar. There is a special person in this scene. And I’m not talking about Jesus. I’m talking his mother, Mary of Nazareth. A woman who is overflowing with joy.
Here are THREE lessons I’ve learned from Mary of Nazareth on how to be an authentically joyful person.
1. Humility in Simplicity. Does it not seem like society is always telling us to be more busy? The more things we do, the more stuff we acquire, or the greater social status we acquire the happier we will be. There could be nothing further from the truth.
Now I’m not suggesting that we ought to become monks, but our purpose in life ought not derive from achieving these three goals.
Mary was a lowly Jewish girl living a less than average life in a forgotten corner of the Roman Empire. She had no power, didn’t have many possessions, nor did she have significant social status. Look how she refers to herself after encountering the angel Gabriel: “…for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden” (Luke 1:48). She had one thing that the powerful individuals of her time didn’t have. Humility in her simplicity.
She was filled with joy: “…my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” (verse 47).
2. Saying YES to God. Mary had the courage to say “Yes” to God’s plan for her. I have found that as soon as I open myself to the possibility that God has set aside a plan for me, he comes rushing in like a mighty wind. He overturns my plans and sets me on a path that is greater than I could have ever imagined for myself. It can be scary to allow God into all aspects of my life, but I always find consolation in Gabriel’s words to Mary: “Do not be afraid,…” (verse 30).
3. Our Agency Ought to Magnify God’s Goodness. Look at the first line of Mary’s Magnificat (her song of praise) following her visit to Elizabeth (see Luke 1:46-55). She sings, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” Mary’s very existence, the life she lives from day to day, embodies glory to God, and in turn brings joy to those around her.
This is my favourite line in the entire Bible. I have learned that instead of starting the day with distractions (emails, social media…etc) or negative thoughts, it is so much more uplifting to reflect on how I can bring joy to the people I will encounter during the day.
Sharing Your Joy
It’s not always easy. One afternoon I sat in our church praying. I noticed a woman sitting in one of the pews. A strong urge to approach her overcame me. After some hesitation I approached the woman. I introduced myself and asked if I could pray for her on the spot. To my surprise, she said “yes.” So we prayed. After finished praying, she was overwhelmed with joy and tears streaming down her face. God had used me in that moment to magnify His goodness for that lady.
Question. 1) Have you noticed a pattern of negativity amongst the people you encounter daily? 2) How can you allow God to “magnify” Him through your life?
Edited by Robert Bandura
