Born for joy

[T]he fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Born for joy

Joy finds you when you are not looking for it, when your heart is wholly fixed on the moment, when you give something from your depths and the voice of the Spirit whispers in your heart, “It is for this joy that you were born.”

Sunday’s baptism was more boisterous than usual. Three small children bounced against the font making waves across the face of the waters. I handed them the two baptismal candles to hold until the moment we lit the light of Christ for Amelia and Madeline, twin girls.

Wide-eyed and impressed by their great responsibility, the children stood quietly until they discovered baptismal candles make fine swords. The ensuing fencing match proceeded half-way down the center aisle until they were summoned back to the water’s edge as each twin girl was lowered into the waters of eternal blessing.

Completing the rite, Will, the twins’ four-year brother and victorious fencer, held back, not wanting to leave the font despite his father’s entreaty. He looked up at me, and I spontaneously reached for the shell of anointing oil and marked him as I had just marked his sisters, “Beloved Child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.”

“He blessed you,” his father whispered and led him by the hand back to the front pew.

The service continued with prayer and sharing the peace, when another child, Lilly, grabbed me from the back around the legs, giggled and refused to let go.

It wasn’t many years ago that we blessed her in the waters of life and lit a candle. Now we see the light of God’s love in her smile and little girl laugh.

“You were born for this,” the inner Voice of Love whispered as I returned to my place and sat down, thankful for everything that had led me to this single moment when I heard the voice amid tears and purest gratitude.

But it is not just me, of course. The Spirit’s inner speaking is the deep truth of every human life. Each of us is born to share the joy of knowing God’s love flowing through us. We are born to know and share this joy.

Just be where you are. Give yourself to bless the present moment, whatever it is and wherever you are.

Joy will surprise, even today.

Pr. David L. Miller