Unleashing the Joy

I enjoy going to the Y because of the perceived health benefits I receive, but my visits to the Y have provided other benefits. I have made friends. From these friends and some of my experiences while utilizing the Y, I have often been inspired. One of these times of inspiration has been on display in recent weeks. I have been so inspired by what has unfolded that I was prompted to write this blog. I have received permission to publish this blog by the involved participants in the story.

Part of my routine at the Y is to spend time walking/jogging on the indoor track. I was walking and jogging one day when I heard some people talking. When the people came into view, I saw Robbie who is on staff at the Y. With Robbie was a man and a young boy named A. J.. In time I found out that the boy was about 11 years old, and I come to realized that the boy had some limitations. I also discovered that the man who was with the boy was his grandfather. I knew Robbie from years of going to the Y. He has always been helpful and encouraging.

What followed that first day was beautiful to behold. Robbie placed two orange saucer shaped markers on the track. Then Robbie, A. J. and his grandfather lined up beside one of the markers. A. J. ran to the other marker with Robbie by his side and the grandfather close behind. As A. J. ran, he gleefully laughed. His joy was unleashed as he exhibited uninhibited delight. As Robbie and the grandfather walked to the first marker, Robbie and the grandfather praised A. J. for his accomplishment. Several times this scenario was repeated with A. J laughing with unleashed joy each time he ran.

I have watched this scene play out maybe a dozen times in the last few months. A. J. laughs as hard or harder each time he runs as he did the first day I saw him. He is running faster and further. When I'm on the track at the same time as A. J., I make sure I praise him, letting him know how great he is doing. Others who have watched this scene unfold are also praising and encouraging A. J. . I hope that A. J. never stops running or laughing.

Watching A. J. has been a revelation for me. I have watched a child with limitations exhibited genuine, unrestrained joy. While this is happening on an indoor track at the Y in Hartsville, South Carolina, millions of miserable people without any special limitations are choosing to wallow in their misery and make as many others just as miserable as they are. They have many reasons to laugh and exhibit joy, but they choose to be sullen, bitter, angry, marred in a pity party of their own creation and determined never to manifest the slightest expression of joy. Not only are they determined never to be joyous, they some times express their lack of joy in vengeful, destructive behavior. They are a danger to themselves and others with whom they come into contact.

The need to unleash joy is part of the revelation that I have received from watching A. J. . I want to be a part of this unleashing of joy and encourage you to join me. Joy is very much a part of what believers receive from our relationship with Jesus. "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may remain full" (John 15:11). During His prayer for believers in John 17:13 Jesus prayed this prayer for every believer. "But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves." Joy should be the operative state for believers. If A. J. can experience sheer joy and laughter running on a track, surely people redeemed and rescued by Jesus and given the gift of eternal life should live with unleashed joy. Peter described what should be the normative state for me and all other believers when he wrote these words in 1 Peter 1:8, "Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory." A. J. expresses his joy when he runs on the track at the Y with glee and laughter. Christians literally have a joy that is so great that it is inexpressible and full of glory.

The opportunity and way that we all can contribute in unleashing joy is another part of the revelation I have received from watching A. J.. Robbie is taking time out of his busy schedule and other duties at the Y, to give individual time and attention to A. J.. A. J.'s grandfather faithfully brings his grandson to the Y. Both of them have a crucial part in unleashing the joy. I'm trying to be a part of unleashing the joy but cheering for A. J. when he runs and by praising his efforts.

You would not know joy is a possibility for all of us, even those with special limitations, by watching people in general or by listening to the numerous voices that boom out in a cacophony of hard to decipher sound that is devoid of joy. Yet, joy is a real possibility for all of us, even people who seem incapable of experiencing even the slightest expression of joy. It is possible because of Jesus, the only one who can bestow on an individual a joy that is unspeakable and full of glory. It is also possible because all of us possess the capability of unleashing joy in ourselves and, more importantly, in others.

Recently, A.J.'s grandfather made the comment that A. J. was the only person who can run and laugh at the same time. It definitely is unusual, but what a inspiration and challenge it has been for me to behold! Keep laughing A. J.! May God help us to unleash the joy that it might fall upon the earth like the morning dew, but not disappear with the rising sun like the dew of the morning. May it linger and go with us each day every place we go. Unleash the joy!