11 I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.
John 15:11

When do we experience joy? Perhaps at the birth of a child. Perhaps at a graduation. Perhaps at the news of an engagement. Perhaps at the gift of retirement. Perhaps at a time when all of the family is gathered together – parents, children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren.

Joy – that feeling of exponential happiness.

This picture of Abby’s team winning the state championship in 2015 captures joy for me.
But I dare say that there are those who have never experienced joy. There are those who are now walking in the valley of grief; those who have just received a diagnosis of cancer; those who have received an eviction notice. There is no experience of joy currently for them.

The psalmist reminds us 5” For his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5

Who do we know that needs to experience joy this Lenten season? Jesus reminds us in the gospel of John, “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). May God provide occasions for us during this season of Lent to point others towards the source of all joy – Jesus the Christ.

Judy Oguich