“I commend the enjoyment of life because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” (Eccles.8:15)
Heavenly Father, thank you for being honest about life between the resurrection and return of Jesus. Until the Day of “all things new” arrives in fullness—toil, thorns, and thistles; blood, sweat, and tears will be normal, not occasional. And yet—a BIG yet, you intend joy to “ride shotgun” with us all the way into the new heaven and new earth. Beauty, not brokenness, will get the last word. Hallelujah and thank you.
You’re still the God from whom all blessings flow, not drip or drizzle. Here are some of my favorite ways joy shows up in the passenger seat. It’s the little “Abba-gifts” we didn’t see coming—unexpected “grace-bombs” you drop on us at just the right time: Pop-ups and drop-ins of heavenly kindness like oasis-conversations with old friends. Snort-producing laughter generated by our kids, grandkids, and pets… Azaleas lasting into May… The “tight-line” and joy-rush of a big fish that took our bait… Watercolor paints drying prettier than our skill set…
Four hours of sleep that felt like ten… Another dentist visit that only resulted in a new toothbrush and travel floss… An old song reminding us of a sweet memory… Reconnecting with a spouse or friend after we both acted like nap-needy two-year-olds … Arriving at our happy-place again—whether that’s in Montana, Wisconsin, Florida, or (name yours)… When our taste buds start break-dancing in our mouths as we bite into our favorite gelato, cheesecake, or tofu (there’s a few of you).
Life under the sun will always have joys of various size, form, and intensity because you’ve given us in your Son. No one is more serious about our joy than Jesus (Jn.15:11, 17:13). Thank you, and So Very Amen.
