01. Free To Be Joyful
When was the last time you did something that felt just a bit silly? The truth is, experiencing and sharing the gift of JOY not only helps us feel refreshed; it causes the world to take notice. Sing. Dance. Write a silly rhyme. You are meant to live with joy!
Episode Transcript
0:04
Hi, good morning. Welcome to this first episode of the Freetobe Podcast. I'm so happy to be joining you this morning. Our first podcast is called free to be joyful. How many of us could use some extra joy these days?
0:22
Nothing means more to me than spending time each morning with God, reading a devotional and meditating on his word. I'm blessed to have the freedom to spend hours with him, seeking wisdom and answers to numerous prayers. Beyond the quiet time though, I wonder how many of us struggle to find time to relax and have a little fun? Have you ever felt like God was stirring that childlike part of you to do something a little silly, something that perhaps you'd feel quite comfortable doing with a child? But as an adult, you're not so sure.
0:59
My sweetheart and I experienced such a nudge recently when unexpected snow fell in abundance near our cabin in the woods.
1:07
We have driven down to check on things to make sure no pipes have frozen in the prior storm, and to enjoy a quiet day in front of a wood-burning stove, reading, relaxing and planning our future. With retirement nearing. There are a lot of decisions to make. As we talked, however, we both recognized we were fidgeting a bit, scooting around in our chairs and having a bit have a hard time settling in for a day of rest and relaxation. I looked at my husband and asked to be like to do something besides sit. And he surprised me with this suggestion. We could go outside and build a snowman.
1:45
I wrinkled my nose, pondering if that was even an option. After all, were two adults. I do it in a heartbeat if our children or grandchildren were there. But just the two of us. Was it appropriate? Would it even be fun?
2:01
Responding to his huge smile and encouraging nod, I replied, “let's do it.” So we did the snowpack perfectly as we both roll giant white balls to form the body. Leftover leaves in the yard stuck to the balls of snow as we rolled but we didn't care. We both got lost in the moment. It truly felt like we were kids again, just having fun playing in the snow.
2:28
He shaped the round middle ball while I rolled a smaller one for the head. Then we added sticks for arms, stones for eyes and a stubby twig for nose. We have to take a selfie with our snowman, I insisted. So with winter caps that our heads we smiled wide and memorialize the moment with a couple of pictures. We have so much fun that despite the cold, we hopped on the four-wheeler and took a long drive around the lake as the sun prepared to set.
2:59
Later warm in the cabin again, we both said, we need to have fun like that more often. And we promised we would.
3:08
Why is it that we get lost in life's responsibilities so quickly, and forget how to live the joy of the Lord?
3:16
I don't know about you. But I feel like my mental To-Do List automatically includes many things I should get done. Those are the things that get written down, organized and completed. While the fun gets put on the backburner. And I find them often too tired at the end of the day to even consider something fun, much less find the energy to do it.
3:40
We read in the Bible that we are to let our light, the light of Jesus in us, shine before men. So they may see The goodness of God and praise his name and heaven. In the grand list of the nine fruit of the Spirit in Galatians. The fruit of joy is named second after the gift or fruit of love.
4:03
That tells me that joy is a pretty important gift to experience and share. If the love of Jesus attracts people to him, and I believe Love is a powerful motivator toward God, then definitely make sense that the joy of Jesus would help us enjoy and refreshed one another. As we endure the routines and struggles of life. When was the last time you did something that felt just a bit silly? Maybe something that made you laugh when you were young, or something your children or grandchildren find funny. Maybe something you read about in a magazine or a blog or hear about from someone else. My challenge to you today is to add something funny to your life each day. Something fun that brings you in the people around you joy.
4:52
It could be personal or a group effort. But whatever it is do it with all your heart As for the Lord.
5:00
Because he cares for you, and he cares about you. And when you shine the light and love and joy of the Lord, the world takes note.
5:12
Invite others into the freedom you have in Christ. Be a bit silly. Act like a child, post funny pics, right? In rhyme, sing, dance, laugh, have fun. God is watching you. And he's pleased when you worship and when you express great joy in the life he has given to you.
5:39
I hope you have a fun-filled week with the Lord. Thanks for joining the Freetobe Podcast.
5:47
This is Donna Wyand saying have a great day.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai