Season of Joy

Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Psalm 96:12 (NIV)

Its a beautiful season in this part of the world right now. Cool, foggy mornings give way to warm afternoons. October is my favourite month. As we made our way to church the trees seemed to express a visual ‘Hallelujah’, rejoicing loudly in their vibrant colours, making harmony with their hues of gold, red and green. It is a joy like no other. We see it, but do we join in?

Last week I was driving to work, deep in thought (probably planning something), when my eye caught sight of a man on a bench waiting for the bus. He was dressed casually, but what was remarkable was his posture and his expression. He was not hunched over his phone, or tapping his foot and inspecting his watch to see how much longer he had to wait. No, he was leaning back comfortably as if he was in an easy chair, arm stretched across the top of the bench in a relaxed manner. And he was singing. My windows were up keeping the heat inside my vehicle, but I could tell he was belting out a favourite song at the top of his lungs. On his face – joy. He was joyful in his season, where many would be restless and impatient.

Many of us think of Christmas as the season of joy. But why box all that joy up into one day, or one month? Can’t today be a season of joy? After I saw that man singing, my heart was lifted and I turned up the radio, paused my mental planning and sang the rest of the way to work. In those seconds, a stranger changed my perspective on the day. Maybe a little expression of joy in my day, in your day, could make the difference for someone else too.

Are you waiting on the bench? Waiting for your ship to come in, or your goal to be reached? If you have to wait, you might as well wait with joy. I might as well wait with joy. Regardless of the waiting, the messy relationships, the challenging finances, or a doctor’s diagnosis, there is blessing to be celebrated in every season. God has blessed each one of us. He loves us and longs to see that joy on our faces. There may be someone in your home, school, workplace, or even your church who is hard pressed to find any joy at the moment. Share some of yours. The old proverb is true, “A joy shared is multiplied; a sorrow shared is divided.” Be strengthened and refreshed in this season of joy.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3 (NIV)