Not Even A Week

So it hasn't even been a week since we returned from New Orleans and it feels like a long and a short time period all at once. On one hand, it would feel so natural (well maybe not natural, but familiar maybe?) if I were to wake up at six o'clock at the Super 8 Hotel in New Orleans, grab some breakfast, and head off to the Rachel Sims Mission Center on Second Street in the Garden District, and go paint some atrocious deep forest green walls back to white. However, it seems so far away because I have done so much in the week since then between tests, projects, and other fun stuff.
Last night in small group, the best small group ever, THE Rocking Rocket, Jennifer Rockecharlie, El Presidente, had us talk about the things that God had shown us through the trip in New Orleans. So we went around and it was so cool to hear everyone's stories. God was so good to each of us. The the recurring theme seemed to be that even though you might not see the value in the work you do for God right away, there is value.


Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 TNIV


One thing that stood out to me for the trip that I shared with small group is something that has been rolling around in my mind for a while now. I believe that we are called to have joy. However, for it to be real, impactful, and lasting it has to come from a reliable source. Happiness or joy are not easily separated and in most dictionaries one of them is used in the definition of the other. Joy I believe could be understand to have the connotation of a more lasting existence of happiness whereas happiness is fleeting. Nonetheless, happiness or fleeting enjoyment, can be obtained by many sources: friends, fun times, or accomplishments. However, there is a huge flaw in each of these. Friends are humans too and they will mess up and if you hang around the same person long enough they will eventually hurt your feelings in some way or another. Also someone else will seem to have had more fun at something or has a cooler, more impressive story to tell about some adventure. Lastly, there will always be some who supersedes something you did.
A reliable source has to be something that lasts and is irreplaceable. That "thing" has to be better than just earthly things because they are just that earthly things. It means they aren't perfect.
The one true and perfect thing is God. He is the one who gives joy. It isn't a shallow joy that is smiling and cheery to all who look your way but on the inside is contemplating dark things. It isn't something that is here in the morning and at night you find yourself wondering where any hope is.
Finally, joy must come from the inside out. It is like in Psalm 23 "my cup overflows." The joy has to overflow from your heart after it is put there by God. On that same note, it is a gift to be accepted. Knowing God gives joy and value isn't enough. It must be lived out.
So as I live each day, I strive to overflow with joy, because I have been given so much like the Psalmist. He is rejoicing in all that the Lord has given and I shall too. It will be in the trials that if joy is shining through people will wonder about the Source.