Joy.
I could see it the moment her face came into view.
Evident joy.
I’ve never seen that kind of smile before.
Sparkling joy.
A woman over twice my age.
A woman who knows brokenness and hardship.
A woman who lives as the poorest of the poor in rural India.
A woman who in this world has almost nothing.
Almost.
There is one thing she has.
Christ.
Therefore she has joy.
Radiant joy.
I couldn’t help but smile when she was near.
Smiling big.
Smiling wide.
Smiling so much it hurt.
Even now the memory warms my heart.
I smile again.
That kind of joy can only be described one way.
Contagious.
I also have Christ.
Therefore I have joy.
But does it show?
Does it spread like an infectious disease?
If not, then why?
I mean, I have been given so much!
Shouldn’t my joy be obvious?
What gets in the way?
My worries.
My doubts.
My fears.
My frustrations.
I allow these things to live on the surface.
Instead of my joy.
But it doesn’t have to be like this.
She is my proof.
So this is my prayer.
Fill me up God.
I want the joy from knowing you to show.
I want it to spread.
I want it to be evident.
In my words.
In my actions.
In my very face.
I want my joy to be described in one way.
Contagious.
—-
I shared this spoken word at Squad Open Mic Night a few nights ago. It was inspired by an older woman we met in one of the villages last week. Her joy truly was written all over her face and very contagious. I am so thankful God gives us moments like these exactly when and where we need them!
[Photo credit: Jackelyn Mead]
“A cheerful heart is good medicine.”
[Proverbs 17:22]
