By Pastor Bill Hayden
As I reclined to sleep, with a grateful heart, thinking about the day’s activities, I thanked the Lord for His blessings. It was a restless night and I awoke the following morning from a night dreaming of people who had passed on. I don’t know why they came to mind but some of them surely had an impact on my life. Sad to say that some of the individuals had also broken my heart but I had forgiven them and we were friends again.
How wonderful it is to be free of guilt and regret when you dream about people in your past that you still love, even if they had disappointed you in life. Over time you realize that some individuals were broken beyond your ability to carry the weight. Sometimes trying to rescue a drowning person, who is in a state of terror, can cause you to lose your life. Regretfully, to save your own life, you must release them.
There are some individuals, just ordinary people in life, whose presence seems to connect with your spirit in a way that leaves you joyful and uplifted. No matter what you may be secretly struggling with, in their presence, without words, there is an indescribable comfort… they get you! Yes, they understand your humanity and accept your brokenness. It is a rare thing these days to have people in your life who connect to your inner person.
What brings you joy in your life today? Many of us have passed the prime of our lives and the things that used to bring us joy, somehow don’t measure up. Yet, we see some individuals that seem to have discovered the secret to an internal fountain of joy. They are happy, even with their disabilities, to be present and accounted for.
John 15:9-11 NLT 9. “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
I discovered a long time ago that pure joy comes from the presence of the Lord. For God is so gracious to give us free will that it is by our choice alone to receive His joy. You can be that person whose joy overflows and bring comfort and connection to others.
Celebrate with us at the Villages Community Chapel in Cribari Auditorium, every Sunday at 10 a.m. to be encouraged over the Word of Life, enjoy a cup of coffee and cookies with friends. The chapel is a place for needs to be met, faith to be affirmed and new friends to embrace. You can view our worship services on YouTube at Villages Community Chapel San Jose, CA.