“Just then (Jesus) looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, ‘The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today.’” (Luke 21:1-3, The Message)
This has become one of my favorite photos–not only because it’s a shot of all the Urban Village campus pastors taken at our Christmas party/dance last year, but also because we look so darn happy. Even me.
There’s a part of me that envies those who can find joy in all things and who actually look like they’re joyful, as well. I feel joy, sure, but sometimes my face needs to get the message.
We just got done with a 3-day conference where I was with many of my United Methodist clergy colleagues in northern Illinois. The conference takes place every year so it’s a good chance to see friends in ministry, but it can also be a bit tedious. I have one colleague, though, who seems to actually be excited by everything we talk about. I’ll confess that my heart hasn’t always been so charitable toward him (I’ll call him Jeff). No matter what’s decided or reported on, he claps or has a look of wonder on his face. I confess (again) that my eyes may have rolled over the years at this optimism, but these last few days, the Holy Spirit bonked me on the head and said, “Stop it. He has joy in his heart. What do you have?” To which I might reply, “Cynicism mixed with a touch of dry humor and a dash of gratitude?” Not quite the offering that the Spirit desires.
The passage I quoted above comes from a story when Jesus (IMHO) gets really excited about a widow who throws a pittance into the Temple offering plates. This story is often used to encourage generosity, but I’ve always been taken by what I perceive to be Jesus’ excitement. If I were one of the disciples, I think I might have rolled my eyes at his response: “Really? It’s only a few coins.” And Jesus would have said, “Friend, you really need a joy transplant.” He would have been right.
Joy is everywhere around me. Instead of rolling my eyes, I need to look forward and to the sides. Smile instead of scoff. Grin instead of groan. Follow the lead of my colleague Jeff and clap my hands instead of cross my arms. And maybe there will be a few more pictures like the one above of me experiencing the joy of my loving God and creator.