The Joy Motor
by Keri Wyatt Kent
posted 4/05/2007
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Jump out of the routine we all get in—when we see ourselves only as teachers. Instead, take some time to learn from the children you minister to.
Another way to increase joy is to live in the moment. A huge joy stealer is thinking that we'll finally be happy once we achieve a certain goal. We forfeit our chance to be happy right now.
Last week in the three-year-old room, I sat in the book corner and read to a few children. One little boy, Ryan, selected Bob & Larry's ABC's, featuring the Veggie Tales characters. I think it began with A is for Asparagus or something, working its way through the alphabet with various Veggie characters.
On a page further on, it had a picture of a potato wearing underwear. When I read that page, little Ryan and I looked at each other with mock surprise, and then he laughed one long, loud "HAAA!"
He made me read the book four or five times, and each time we got to that crazy potato, we looked at each other and laughed. It was a simple thing, just laughing, reading again and again. While I got a bit tired of reading the same book, I never tired of Ryan's goofy laugh and his expression of joy at being silly. Rather than thinking "when can I stop reading this book—then I'll have fun," I just tried to enjoy the moment.
What brings you joy? Is it music? Dancing? Walking outside in the warm spring air? Spending time with an old friend? Enjoying a meal with your family?
As spring approaches, deliberately seek out activities that bring you joy. Go for a walk and notice the birds, the flowers, the people. Have a real feast for Easter, and invite everyone—even people who you might not typically include.
Allow the contagious laughter of the children you lead to infect your soul. Reflect the image of God, who is, after all, the most joyful being in the universe.
Keri Wyatt Kent is an author, speaker and Promiseland volunteer. Learn more about her ministry at www.keriwyattkent.com
Copyright © 2007 Promiseland.
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