Beyond the Bare Spots
by Mike Killebrew
We’ve lived in our current house for about 12 years, and during this time, certain physical reminders have consistently evoked specific memories and emotions. For instance, I captured a picture in my backyard a few years ago. As someone who values a well-maintained yard, I take pride in keeping it looking its best. However, a giant bare spot under our tree swing brings me immense joy, signifying a well-used play area. It was shortly after we moved in when, on a whim, I threw a rope over the branch and added a piece of scrap wood to the bottom. It took me less than 10 minutes, no prior planning involved.
Little did I know it would become a favored item for my kids when they were younger and a favorite among friends when they visited. I've lost count of the times I’ve pushed our kids and their friends on this simple rope swing, echoing with squeals of excitement, laughter, and shouts of “higher, push me higher!”
Despite my appreciation for a well-manicured yard, this bare spot holds a special place in my heart. I find myself smiling ear to ear every time I pass it on the mower. Outwardly, I display a smile, but inwardly, my heart overflows with joy as I reflect on the gift of being a dad to 4 wonderful children. Though that bare spot remains, it's less prominent now that my kids are a little older. Unfortunately, it has been a while since I’ve pushed them on the rope swing. A day will come when the rope swing comes down, and I’ll prepare and reseed that area. For now, it stands as a poignant reminder of the Lord’s goodness in my life through my children, bringing me immense joy.
Recently, I came across a compelling online article titled 'What’s the Difference Between Joy and Happiness.' It highlighted that the disparity between joy and happiness resides within the mind and heart. The article presented this list as part of the introduction:
Joy is a little word; happiness is a bigger word.
Joy resides in the heart; happiness is displayed on the face.
Joy is of the soul; happiness is of the moment.
Joy transcends; happiness reacts.
Joy embraces peace and contentment, awaiting discovery.
Joy runs deep and overflows, while happiness offers a fleeting greeting.
Joy is a practice and a behavior; it’s deliberate and intentional. Happiness comes and goes effortlessly along its way.
Joy is profound and scriptural; “Don't worry, rejoice.” Happiness is a temporary balm; “Don't worry, be happy.”
Joy is an inner feeling; happiness is an outward expression.
Joy endures hardships and trials, connecting with meaning and purpose.
A person pursues happiness but chooses joy.
This last bullet point about choosing joy resonated with me. Joy can be a choice. There are moments when joy must be consciously chosen.
I want to tread carefully here. I’m not advocating for feigned joy or the creation of false happiness. Nor am I endorsing our culture’s mystic belief in “speaking your reality into existence.” That’s not the path I wish to advocate. However, I firmly believe that life presents 'bare spots,' and despite hurt, pain, suffering, or adverse life circumstances that might otherwise steal our joy without Jesus, we can opt to experience joy. Jesus never belittles our struggles; instead, he invites us, saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). We can acknowledge the hardships, be truthful about them, and yet, refrain from getting ensnared in that pit. We can choose joy. The decision we must choose is whether we will wholeheartedly trust Jesus and his words in every moment of our lives.
So, how do we choose joy?
It starts in the mind. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes how our thoughts possess the power to shape our self-perception and influence our interactions with others. God’s word reminds us of the significance of our thoughts and the necessity for the Holy Spirit to renew our minds.
Romans 12:2 states, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 asserts, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
Colossians 3:2 urges us, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 emphasizes, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Philippians 4:8 encourages, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
When we alter our thought patterns, our hearts align. When we focus on what is right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy, we choose joy. Conversely, dwelling on negativity, envy, or anger steals our joy. We have the agency to frame our circumstances; we can choose joy.
One of the most striking aspects of joy is its contagious nature! Joy gives birth to more joy, spreading like a viral social media post. When we transform our thought processes, our hearts follow suit, compounding the effect. Not only does this have a compounding effect on us, but when we choose joy, it emanates to those around us. It proliferates when shared. As we experience joy, we yearn to impart it. We not only choose to select joy for ourselves but also for others! As we receive the gift of Jesus this Christmas season, let’s choose joy!
