Why is he smiling?
You’re likely looking at Gumby and thinking, What in the world?
I was too when I opened the image last week. Now as a reminder for all of us, me included, this website has several objectives.
First, I want my writing to instill hope in others. I want the reader to consider what they’ve read. I’d love it if you felt more hopeful or if you wanted to share the post with others. If you are one who engages, then sending me a comment or question is a bonus.
Second, as a writer and aspiring author, I need to write, and more than just the book, story, or project I’m working on. I need to practice different types of writing. And, I’ll share this, too, but it’s irksome to me. Most things I read and hear tell me aspiring authors need a web presence.
Third, as an amateur photographer, I want to share my photos with others. So, my idea was to take past photos and write encouraging words prompted by the image. I began by using photos I took from a photo-a-day project I did several years ago. I’m choosing to not stray from the order in which I took the photos. This serves as a writing prompt, with God directing the message.
That’s how we get to Gumby. My wife loved Gumby and Pokey as a child and one of our daughters surprised her with these bendable figurines. We keep them tucked in front of my wife’s car’s instrument panel (not obstructing any critical information). They’re fun and a reminder of her childhood.
When I look at that little fella leaning back against the speedometer I can’t help but think, Man, that Gumby never has a bad day.
Warning: If you’re thinking about going to YouTube and watching old Gumby and Pokey shows, set aside some time. I did that to prepare for this post and it’s easy to get sucked in. And, yes, he had a few bad days.
Joy is sometimes elusive to me (wait until we get to the picture of the stuffed Eeyore my girls gave me one year). I once tried to do my own study on what it meant to have joy by trying to study all the verses in the Bible that included the word joy. Depending on your translation, there are somewhere between 160 and 220 mentions of joy. Sadly, I didn’t have the capacity to complete that exhaustive study.
But in my quest, I read Kay Warren’s book Choosing Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough. Here’s how she describes joy.
“Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.”
Those are great words. Re-read them and let them sit a spell.
I rely too often on fleeting circumstances. How do I feel today? How does this person perceive me? What did I get done today? Do I have to do something outside my comfort zone?
Paul tells us in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (English Standard Version)
God is with us through all the momentary events of our lives. They come and go, often leaving us feeling joyless and unhappy. Maybe it’s because we are relying on their outcomes and not the joy and hope found in a staying God of hope.
What do you think? Can you choose to be joyful? Even during strife and discomfort? Probably not on your own. But you can through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Tim –
Thank you for this reflection. I have long loved the word “Joy” and all that it evokes and promises.
Love the scripture you quoted and also the Kay Warren quote – I was not familiar with it. Definitely a keeper and reminder for our daily living.
Look forward to more Reflections! I wish you a meaningful journey on this path you’re taking.
Peace – and Joy! – to you and Sarah.
Julie
Thanks Julie.
I agree. I have Kay Warren’s quote in my phone and refer to it often because it’s easy to lose sight of the grounding it portrays. Just this morning I viewed a FB Live post by friends Denny Brownlee and his wife Sandy. They referred to the danger of “agreeing” with lies given to us by Satan. I think when we agree with all the negative things Satan wants us to feel (the opposite of truth), we miss the joy God wants us to experience.
Hope you and Denver are having fun, and maybe we’ll catch up soon.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this reflection today. I have always said that no matter the situation or trial I am going through I always always have joy. Thank you 😊 for writing and sharing. My love and appreciation to and for you and Sarah!!!
I want to tell you something. I’m so glad you posted your comment, and here’s why…
Please excuse me for comparing you to Gumby, but you are a real-life example of what the post is about. You exude the very joy you’re talking about–a joy based on a true relationship with the Lord. No matter your trials, people feel better when they are around you. They may even mistakenly say, “That Miss Elizabeth never has a bad day.” The joy you choose gives joy to others.
Thank you for reminding me.
I love Kay Warren’s definition of joy. I think a lot of the problem is that people tend to equate happiness and joy, and they’re not the same thing. Whereas happiness is dependent on circumstances, joy is, as Kay says, “the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be all right, and the determined choice to praise God in all things.” Thanks for this vital reminder!
Thanks for commenting Terri. I know this post doesn’t carry the gravity of pain and suffering, whether physical, mental or spiritual, some experience day-to-day. In many cases, it is only knowing that ultimately everything is going to be all right that gets them through the day. And, one can only trust that statement if they trust in the one who can guarantee it–the Lord. And, thank you for your ministry to those who suffer.
Love this message, Tim! What a wonderful reminder to us all. You really have a wonderful way with words. I admire your courage and determination in this endeavor so much. Can’t wait for the next post!
Thank you for saying that Austin. So far I’m sure I’ve needed the words as much or more than anyone reading them. Your encouragement means a lot to me.
From my devotional today regarding Joy:
“Eucharisteo [to be grateful; to give thanks] makes the knees the vantage point of a life. I bend, and the body, it says it quiet: “Thy will be done.” This is the way a body and a mouth say thank you: Thy will be done. This is the way the self dies, falls into the arms of Love.”
That’s how to count it all joy!
Thank you, Tim, for your inspiring words.
Thank you for sharing Rhonda. I had to read your comment several times (and that’s a good thing). I love it when I run across a passage, sentence, or phrase that makes me re-read it until eventually I’m savoring it’s truth. Those words do just that and at the end, all I can say is, “Amen.”