Called to WorshipSample

He Called it His Joy

A midweek public holiday was welcomed with giggles and squeals as a “bonus play day” by my youngest kids. I, however, had received bad news from my family on the other side of the world the day before. I was frazzled, emotional, and exhausted. I didn’t know what I’d do with a toddler and a child whose disability requires my unwavering attention to support his nervous system. I went against everything in me and took them to an indoor play park for the rainy morning.

The venue had an extraordinary staff watching over the children, a restaurant, and tables for parents to socialize or work while kids played safely. I, however, had to put on the special play socks to squeeze through tunnels, bump down slides, and scale child-size apparatuses.

Afterward, the son who required my constant participation said, “Mom, I’m so glad you got to play with me. I’m so glad you didn’t miss any of the fun.” He doesn’t know the accommodating and calculating I put into every moment of his day. He was just so glad I didn’t miss any of the fun. He was unaware of the cost or depth of his need. He only experienced the joy of being together.

You know, I am also largely unaware of the cost and depth of my own needs. I cannot fully understand what Christ did on the cross or how He intercedes for me daily. I begrudgingly put on grippy socks for an hour on a Wednesday to help my kids. Jesus put on skin and became a man so He could get close enough to squeeze, slide, and climb through life with us. He counted it as HIS joy.

The Lord of Lords couldn’t bear another moment apart from you. Doesn’t that make you want to worship Him?

Listen to Brooke Ligertwood’s “Bless God/Every Chance I Get”.