I got to thinking about the meaning of joy the other day. What is it? Why don’t we feel joy all the time? Why does inner joy happen more often? More predictably?
I was going through a lot of old pictures the other day, basking in good memories (and a few challenging ones). I ran across a photo that’s been one of my favorites over the years, in part because it exudes joy at its highest.
It happened in the 1970s, when I was still working at McDonnell Aircraft. Every year the company would sponsor Christmas parties for children in foster homes, or less privileged children sponsored by groups such as the Salvation Army.
One little girl was among several who were guests of our training department. I was not at my best that afternoon — I was struggling with a migraine. It was a miserable one, but it didn’t stop me from letting this girl try out an aircraft flight control training device.
When she moved the simulator control stick, she got all kinds or aileron, rudder and stabilator movement. The photo illustrates her moment of absolute joy when the surfaces started flapping.
Then I wondered … what about the next day? Or the next week, or next month? Did she have downers like many of us might have?
I am reminded of some words from Psalm 30: “… give thanks to His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:4b-5 NASB).
I believe life is filled with dark and hurtful moments. However, there are also moments that are bright and positive. Things do not always go the way we wish they would. We have moments when we experience frustration and disappointment at work. But it seldom lasts; something good may happen the next day. That may be in the form of a new job, or some other positive change.
I know what that is like, downers followed by positive surprises. It happens in families — disagreements, hurts — but there is joy when problems are resolved.
It is wonderful when bad times pass away and we realize that life may have tough events but even then our faith is rewarded.
As an old hymn says:
“And the night, night is as black as the sea, oh yes
There will be peace in the valley for me, some day
There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray
There’ll be no sadness, no sorrow
No trouble, trouble I see
There will be peace in the valley for me, for me.”
Bruce Mitchell is a retired United Methodist pastor living in Greenfield. This weekly column is written by local clergy members.
