“I’ve got that joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart, down in my heart” – a song I used to sing at Sunday School or Seaside Misson. Back then, I experienced a childlike joy, living in the moment and freely enjoying life through play, music, and song. This childlike joy, however, is a challenge to hold onto in today’s fast-paced society. Yet, God has bestowed each of us with joy, a joy we can choose to nurture or suppress.
Most of you will have at least one device in your home that displays memories from the last year, five years ago or more. Whether it’s Amazon/ Google/ Facebook photos, it recalls joyful times when people gathered together, family celebrations, children’s achievements and special times or holidays. I enjoy recalling these moments as Alexa sometimes displays them in a very random order. It makes me stop and reflect when the weight of daily life presses in; it takes me back to these joyful times. This is one way we can hold onto the joyful moments, which are gifts God gives us. Finally, one positive outcome of technological progress.
If God had given us joy, how would we connect with it and share it with others? Each of us has high and low points in our lives, and where we find joy and connect with the joy God has given us is, of course, a personal thing. For some, joy is found in walking the hills and escaping the daily humdrum. Looking inward and embracing God’s creation allows people to find joy. For others, joy is found in connecting with people through family, church and community. This connection with others is not just a source of joy, but also a reminder of the value of relationships and community in our lives. Jesus suggests in John 15 that in order to remain joyful, we need to remain connected to him. We do this through prayer, worship and fellowship with others.
The Diaconate community I am part of is a source of immense joy. We gather annually as a whole group and locally as a smaller group, sharing our lives and our work. The joy we find in being connected to people who share our values is profound. It’s a reconnection with the joy the Lord has given us in serving him.
As Deacons, we not only connect to Deacons in our church, but we connect with Deacons in the UK and across the world through World Diakonia. This past year, we had the joy of meeting in Germany. Deacons from Europe and Africa coming together for joy-filled worship and sharing. In meeting our counterparts from Africa, we are able to share the joy of their service and hear their stories to see that joy can be found in what can be the most challenging of circumstances.
In realising this, we are reminded of what true joy is. True joy is not about winning the lottery, or a grand experience or a special event, but rather true joy is found in the simple things of life and in time to reflect on these things. So, as society becomes faster and more complicated, stop and give time to the simple things: sharing a meal, playing a game, holding a new baby, observing a flower blooming in the sunshine, bathe in the beauty of nature. And in stopping, think of what Jesus has done to give us joy in our hearts that will provide us with strength. This emphasis on the simplicity of joy can bring reassurance and peace in the midst of life’s complexities. Nurture your joy in the times ahead, which may be challenging.
Elizabeth Philip
Diaconate President