Joy, Joy, Joy

Lately I have enjoyed introducing some of my favorite childhood movies to my daughter.  Last week, we sat down to watch "Pollyanna" together.  In the movie, Pollyanna teaches us how to play the "Glad Game."  She explains that her father made up the game when she received a disappointing pair of crutches in the missionary charity basket instead of the doll that she had requested.  Her father told her that instead of being sad about receiving crutches, she could be happy that she didn't need to use them!

What a wonderful gift for a father to give his daughter - the gift of gladness.  And how much more does our Heavenly Father shower us with gifts of happiness and true joy.

Psalm 19:8
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Light to the eyes.  An old English proverb says that "the eyes are the window to the soul."  Does Christ's joy so fill my soul that others can see His light in my eyes?  My prayer is found in Romans 15:13:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Put your trust in Him.  Give it up.  Let it go.  

Let your Heavenly Father teach you to play the "Glad Game" and live a life of evermore increasing joy.

P.S.  If you'd like to read more about laughter and joy in heaven, here is a great article by Randy Alcorn:  http://www.epm.org/blog/2008/Oct/4/laughter-in-heaven-plus-brian-regan-video

EnJOY!