Joy

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13

It was a blurry picture, but I could make out the black throat contrasting with the blue of the head and back and the white spot on the wing was in the correct location to confirm that this was a Black-throated Warbler visiting a feeder in Maine in December! This rare event brought joy to the home owner who noticed the different bird and had made the correct identification. The news of the visitor brought joy to local birders as well. And assuming that birds experience emotions, the presence of a reliable, steady supply of provision must make this tiny songster joyful.

But the nature of the joy is quite different for the parties involved. For the humans, this is a happenstance that brings a smile, lifts the spirit. The avian emotion is more profound. He is more than happy, he is joyful. What do I mean by that? He is making an intentional choice to exploit this source of nourishment, that goes beyond the good fortune of finding it. For whatever reason, unlike the vast majority of his kin, he is not hundreds of miles south at the moment. It could be that he was too weak for the journey, or in some way impaired when it comes to navigation. It could also be that he is choosing to risk the cold, perhaps knowing that each winter has been incrementally milder. If he survives then by default, he will be the first of his species returning the local breeding grounds. If that is the case then his joy is not for this moment, but for a hopeful outcome. In the moment there is happiness that a plan is coming together, while joy is attached to the plan, the bigger picture.

Joy can be chosen, similar to hope, it is a perspective that is elevated above the specifics. Even in mishaps, i.e. negative happenstances, joy can survive undaunted by a setback when in the grand scheme of things goodness and blessings abound. Joy is internal, it is rooted in convictions, making it always available regardless of external circumstances. Choose joy.

Prayer: Joy-maker, stir up our souls to sing. Amen.