Jump for JoySample

Find the Humor

Another fond memory I have is of my grandmother posing for the camera in a creek bed. My siblings and I were playing in the creek with my mom and grandmother nearby when my mom called out that she was going to take a picture. Keep in mind that this was in the 90s before posed selfies inhabited every screen we see. Clearly a woman before her time, my grandmother struck a pose. But, her pose wasn’t one of self-consciousness or perfection: it was one of silliness.

My grandmother is captured with a mischievous glean in her eyes, a weightlessness to her shoulder with her arms extended out, her head titled at an inviting angle, and her lips pursed in a grin. She found humor in an everyday moment. That photo has a timeless energy that keeps bringing the humor from that moment into each new decade that greets us.

That is God’s invitation to us as well. He invites us to be joyful and find celebration whether it’s a regular day playing with your kids on the floor (or the creek bed), tension in the boardroom, or a personal letdown. While suffering is inevitable, it doesn’t have to shut out the joy.

Key Takeaways:

• What is your favorite funny memory? Can you see God at work?
• How can you take the stress of today and flip it to something funny or silly?
• Is God calling you to turn on the praise music to worship through song or dance – regardless of your perception on the quality of your voice or dance moves. God made you as you are; He’s calling you to worship Him!

Prayer:

Thank you, Father God, for helping me take captive the thoughts that have me worry what other’s think and keep me from finding the joy You have given me. Thank You for giving me eyes for You that keep inviting me to joyful dancing, laughter, and jumping for joy.