I've got the joy?

Yes, I put a question mark after that statement. The statement usually ends with an exclamation point, but it's a question I've been asking myself recently for many reasons. As the dad of a nearly 3 year old daughter, a 2 month old daughter and a husband to an amazing and beautiful wife, these are reasons to be bursting with joy. And I do. To be blessed with an amazing family that has passed on a legacy of faith that I try to share with everyone around me, who loves me and cares for me and prays for me daily, I burst with joy. So why am I posting about joy?

Well, we're getting closer to Lent. As a Lutheran, Lent is far from joy filled. In being honest, as a Lutheran, most Sundays seem to be far from joy filled on the outside. We may be dancing on the inside, but our faces sure don't know it. Part of my struggle with Lent is that as an Easter Christian, I know the end of the story! I get excited because it's the best ending any story could have! I understand as well that we Lutherans (and other Christians as well) remind ourselves of why God sent Jesus to redeem us. And that is a beneficial and needful thing too. But how do we strike the balance? How do we remember that in the end, GOD WINS AND DEATH IS DEFEATED, but it was because of the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf because we cannot redeem ourselves? Sorry if I spoiled the end of the story.

For a while now, I've shared with people my observation that after receiving the body and blood of Jesus in The Lord's Supper, there is a lack of smiling. Typically, there's a lack of any expression. My contention is that you have just received the body and blood of Jesus, forgiveness of your sins.....wouldn't that bring you joy? Or another observation, and maybe it's living in Texas now for 4 years, wouldn't it be great if after the pastor shares the absolution with the congregation, there's a collective "YAHOO"!!!! I may get a few people upset with me for saying it, but how do you hear those words of forgiveness and NOT smile? And NOT be joyful?

I don't have the answers. I just seem to keep coming up with questions. But the one answer I personally keep returning to is that joy of serving God and serving God by serving others is where I find my joy. Even in those moments where I wonder what God is doing, or why God has me doing what I'm doing, I can be filled with joy because whether I understand God's working or motives, I am serving Him and answering His call.