Happy!

Now I believe in laughter. There is no better passport through the world than a smile and a laugh. –Munro Leaf

Every now and again, it happens.

Something happens—maybe only a little thing, like a text or email from someone we were thinking about— and all at once we feel so much joy it can hardly be contained. It may begin as a soft smile that spreads from ear to ear, finally erupting into a full-blown “happy dance” reminiscent of Snoopy and friends, complete with jumps and twirls and outstretched arms. Like King David before the Lord, we can barely hold back our enthusiasm (even when our friends might wish we would).

Sheer, unadulterated gladness over simply being alive. (The world could use more of this.)

It’s been three weeks now since we celebrated Resurrection Sunday. We sang, “Oh Happy Day” and, “Hallelujah!” We heard readings from John and Luke: about Mary racing breathless to share the good news; about Thomas, unbelieving at first, then confessing Christ; of the two travelers to Emmaus, whose dashed hopes were restored—and they couldn’t wait to tell the others! I have to believe there was some dancing along the way.

How about you? Has life returned to its ordinary usualness? Or can you still tap (dance) into the joyous memory of Easter morning, when the stone was rolled away and death forever vanquished?



Monday Pause today and place yourself in Mary Magdalene’s shoes as you read this passage from John. Listen for Jesus to speak your name. John 20:1-18

Tuesday Recall a time when you were really, deeply joy-filled. Tell a friend. Share the joy! 2 Samuel 6:1-5

Wednesday Pray for Christ’s joyful spirit to inhabit the Church in the Circle. How can you be a transmitter of joy? Thank God for his blessing on our lives together. Acts 2:42-47

Thursday Be honest: Is there a spot in your life where you feel as if there is simply no room for joy? Ask God to touch your space of deep hurt with healing. Mark 9:14-27

Friday Into whose life might you “bring some happy” today? Will it be flowers? A cup of coffee? Simply a warm smile or a hug? Deuteronomy 6:4-5

 Saturday As you focus today on yourself, reflect on the promises of the Almighty and how they are made manifest in your life. Praise God—and rest in God’s love. John 3:16-17

Sunday What special offering this morning brings joy to your heart? If the message or the music touched you, write a note or email of gratitude. (And consider inviting a friend next Sunday to join you!) Ecclesiastes 3:11-12


The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead, his eyes are closed. –Albert Einstein

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