Cave Quest: Fun

Every day at Vacation Bible School

 has been filled with fun and joy!

 

Unadulterated Joy - Happy Thanksgiving!

I received an early Christmas gift this week – one moment of pure, unadulterated joy.

I was slowing down for a stoplight Tuesday afternoon and caught a commotion out the corner of my eye. A kid was waving from a school bus window, trying to get my attention. And to be honest, I thought he was going to be rude.

Instead, he wished me a happy Thanksgiving. With a great big smile.

I waved back and wished him the same, but I doubt he heard me through my closed window. Then he went on to other drivers and pedestrians at the intersection, spreading his joy everywhere. I suppose he was thrilled to be heading home for Thanksgiving break. Maybe he’s just usually that happy.

That exchange happened at the perfect moment for me, after a long, stressful week. It was indeed a gift.

But after I reflected on it, it became even more of a gift. It made me realize how much I longed for and needed joy in my life. Children have a natural sense of joy, but somehow I’d lost mine and become cynical and depressed.

In a way, God showed me Charles Dickens-like ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in one moment. Yes, God gave me – Scrooge – a vision of sorts.

The joyful boy reminded me that I hadn’t always been so down, how happy I should be despite any present difficulties, and an image of the happiness He has destined for me.

I still can envision that child’s happy face, and it makes me long for lasting joy.

So I think I found my inspiration for Advent. I need to pray for God’s help in ending my doom-and-gloom attitude, which poisons the people around me, get back to a childlike joy and become the person He meant me to be.

The Fullness of Joy is awaiting at Christmas.

Let us begin now to make room for Him – and await Him with expectant hope.

Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.

Half Full

"Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light."

-- From the hymn "Be Thou My Vision"

The glass really is half full.

One of the secrets to joy, I've discovered, is perspective.

I woke up this morning grumpy as usual. I was still tired and didn't want to wake up. It was cold inside and way colder outside. As I stumbled sleepily through the house, I glanced around to see kids' clothes and backpacks all over, a sink full of dirty dishes and a wet spot on the floor from a puppy. I asked God: Can't I just go back to bed? Why me?

But my perspective was wrong.

I woke up in a warm bed, next to a wonderful husband. I had shelter from the cold. I had a houseful of great kids who are kind, and for the most part, helpful. The puppy who left me the mess also licked my face incessantly. At least she knows how to wake up happy -- and how to spread that happiness to others. I, on the other hand, woke up family members with yelling and complaining.

George Bailey, Jimmy Stuart's character in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life," was in despair, about ready to commit suicide when his guardian angel intervened. Clarence, the angel in the movie, gave George perspective by showing him how the world would be if he had never been born. George was shown, that despite his current setbacks, he had a wonderful life.

As Christians we have the ultimate reasons to be happy and joyful. We know our sufferings and inconveniences have purpose and are only temporary. We know we are destined for greatness and victory in Christ.

When we lose our joy, we lose sight of Him and need to draw closer through prayer and the sacraments. He then becomes our Vision, where we see everything in proper perspective.

Children, the poor, and others who are close to Christ tend to be happy and grateful because they are like Jesus, meek and humble of heart. They have the right perspective. They have Vision.

"High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heaven's Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all."

Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.

Joy!

"From sour-faced saints, good Lord, deliver us."

-- St. Teresa of Avila

Jesus' disciples should be joyful.

St. Teresa knew that in her day, and Pope Francis reminds us in ours with his new apostolic exhortation, "Evangelii Gaudium,"  or "The Joy of the Gospel."

The document is an easy read, written in Pope Francis' plain-spoken style. I've only started to delve in, but already I'm inspired and encouraged. The pope stirs us with this opening invitation and prayer:

"I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting Him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since 'no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord.' The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that He is already there, waiting for us with open arms. Now is the time to say to Jesus: 'Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a thousand ways I have shunned Your love, yet here I am once more, to renew my covenant with You. I need You. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into Your redeeming embrace.' How good it feels to come back to Him whenever we are lost! Let me say this once more: God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking His mercy. Christ, Who told us to forgive one another 'seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22) has given us His example: He has forgiven us seventy times seven. Time and time again He bears us on His shoulders. No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed upon us by this boundless and unfailing love. With a tenderness which never disappoints, but is always capable of restoring our joy, He makes it possible for us to lift up our heads and to start anew. Let us not flee from the resurrection of Jesus, let us never give up, come what will. May nothing inspire more than His life, which impels us onwards!"

Let's accept Pope Francis' invitation as we are about to begin Advent and a new liturgical year. Let's be like St. Teresa and look beyond ourselves for hope and joy.

"Praised be the Lord, Who has redeemed me from myself."

-- St. Teresa of Avila



Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although the year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.