Joy is a Process
Welcome to Word for the Week, the series in which I:
share my experience of hearing God’s Word in Mass last weekend,
explore what I believe the Lord is calling me to do about that Word, and
ask how this Word might impact your life, as well.
---
Last weekend, I attended Mass with only 5-year-old Mercedes. David went in the evening with our two eldest children, and Serra stayed home. I just cannot even with Serra right now! We’re taking a little break from bringing Serra to Mass... Maybe until she turns 4 years old. Or maybe until next week. But anyway, it was lovely to be at a morning Mass with my cuddly Mercedebaby. Even in the midst of a full congregation, it felt like quality one-on-one time with her. My Word for the Week convicted me to carry that joyfulness as a theme this week.
The prophet Isaiah has been ringing out to me the past few Sundays in a row. “Abundant joy” stood out this time. As I prayed about this word over the past few days, I realized: if I want the joy, I also need to embrace whatever leads to the joy. I felt pretty strongly in prayer that sometimes, it’s the frustrating things or the raw emotions that turn into the most joyous occasions. Sure enough, at the start of this week, I was hit by a lot of unpleasant emotions.
As I prepared for my first ministry presentations since Christmas, I felt unprepared and unqualified. As I worked out a new ministry model (one that I am super excited to share soon!!) I felt overwhelmed and undeserving. That Word carried me through: “Abundant joy!” So, by God’s grace, I stayed with it! I allowed myself to cry. To feel my feelings, and to share those feelings with the people I’m close with.
Now, in the second half of this week, there’s a whole lot of joy! I’m reminded that it’s important to feel that stuff, too. The triumph of connecting with a thousand high school students in a meaningful way this week, gratitude about many new blessings already in the start of this new decade, and excitement about the near future! So I suppose the lesson in all of this is to trust the process.
In Scripture, this lesson is also apparent in the story of Zachariah, the father of John the Baptist’s dad. Zachariah questioned the angel when he learned of the upcoming birth of his first child, and then he was stricken mute until the baby was born. When little Johnny the Baptist arrived, his dad definitely had some words to share. It was time to speak, and *man*, did he speak! His proclamation is a “canticle” that Christians around the world pray every morning. Can you imagine how many times those words have been repeated?
Where are you in the process? Maybe you’re feeling some lowkey terror at the thought of something new. Maybe you’re in that uncomfortable play of just stepping out of your comfort zone. Perhaps you’re tasting the thrill of staying the course for a long time! So whether you’re feeling excitement about the future, or restlessness because you’re ready for a change, I’ll invite you to join me in prayer! Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to help us trust the process. Lord, help us to trust *your* process as you lead us to abundant joy.
P.S. Here’s a picture of my very well-worn copy of the Liturgy of the Hours. My dad gave it to me on my 18th birthday. On the left is the Canticle of Zechariah. On the right is a photo of David and me shortly after our wedding. (We were seated at a grand piano, on a pedestrian bridge, over the Grand River, while I filmed a music video. Trust the process!)