Fueled by Joy

Friends, family, and those I serve with often refer to me as the “Energizer Bunny.”  That descriptor always makes me smile.  I have a friend who once told me that I make the Energizer Bunny tired.  Haha! 

I guess it is a pretty accurate way to describe me ... even if it isn’t always the case.  Sometimes I even take a nap in the afternoon. However, I do tend to have abundant energy and enthusiasm for this amazing adventure of life as a daughter of the King of kings.

What is true about me is that I love to serve, to help, and to be a blessing.  It brings me life to use the gifts and abilities the Lord has placed in me to enrich the lives of others and share His love and goodness in whatever small measure I am able. 

My husband and I are similar in our ability to juggle a lot and keep on going. James is a powerhouse of serving and doing. He is a tremendous help wherever he goes. For a season of about five years, in addition to working his corporate job (the one that pays the bills), James put in 30 to 40 or more hours a week volunteering first as project manager for a large church building project and then as the operations manager and jack-of-all-trades for the church.  Thankfully he doesn’t require a lot of sleep because there wasn’t room for much rest with that kind of schedule.  When people would comment that they didn’t know how he did it all, we would jokingly tell them that he is fueled by Mountain Dew.  One look at the row of empty 44 oz. cups from Circle K that periodically line the bookshelf in his office proves that theory pretty well.

When people ask me where I get my energy, I know that it is an energy and zeal that can only come from the Lord.  So, my husband and I are quite a pair with James being at least partially fueled by a highly caffeinated beverage, and me fueled by joy! 

This joy is not a joy that exists because life is happy and circumstances are pleasant or perfect all the time.  It is a joy that exists in the midst of chaos and challenges, difficulties and pain.  This joy comes from a deep place, a sure foundation that is only available to those who know the One who paid the ultimate price by dying in our place for sins He didn’t commit so that we could be restored to wholeness and fellowship with the Most High God, Creator of the universe. 

As I rest in Him, lean on Him, seek Him, and spend time with Him, I am filled to overflowing with His joy, His life, His peace, and His purpose ... ready to go be a blessing through each task I put my hand to.

Because of Him, I am fueled by joy.

Comments

[Lisa L]

Isn't it amazing how we can read and read scripture and not really read it?! I don't think I ever really read Psalm 16:11. I will remember it now! You and James are both truly a blessing to so many in so am many ways. Looking forward to reading more.

[Nancy Manos]

Lisa, I love that verse! God bless you abundantly!
Nancy

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11, NKJV