How Can We Bring Joy With All These Rules?

My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. – Psalm 28:7

Some people, especially children, exude JOY wherever they go.  They bring it!  And everyone around them benefits from it.  

My husband and I were having a “date night” at a local pizza place.  After dinner, we sat outside in a fenced in grassy area the restaurant shares with our favorite ice cream shop.  This combination of pizza and ice cream attracts a lot of families.  One young mom showed up with her three little girls dressed in colorful tights and adorable dresses.  The first thing the girls did was kick off their shoes, spin, twirl, and run in circles.  Joy and laughter immediately filled the whole yard.

The mom watched her sweet ones grinning from ear to ear and squealing with delight.  Their joy was contagious.  She giggled out loud until her eyes fell on one of several signs throughout the space: “NO RUNNING!” A frown replaced her smile and our eyes met.

I quickly spoke my mind (I’m guilty of that often) saying to her, “Isn’t that sign crazy?  This space just screams run and play, have fun and explore!”  Her smile returned, and she chuckled, “The kids can’t even read, anyways.”   We silently agreed that now was not the best time to teach them, and went back to enjoying their joyful energy.  

Who brings joy into your everyday life these days?  It is your grandchildren?  A neighbor down the street?  A clerk at your favorite grocery store? Stop and thank God for people who share their joy with you.  Could you be joy-filled today and lift someone else up?  Give it a shot!  Bring it!  Then watch how others benefit.

By the way, there are even MORE rules:

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank you for being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement