Close Encounters of the Best Kind
Sometimes it comes through a song. And sometimes through spoken or written words, the Bible, or a person. But, for me, anyone of those, including nature, can add up to an encounter with Jesus. Recently, Lenten readings by Liesl Smith and Adele Calhoun, nudged me to experience one or more of those encounters.
As for encountering Jesus through music, I keep singing along with Maryland's Governor ,Wes Moore, "Jesus, you're the center of my joy." Harold Bussell, who lives in Maryland, sent the link to me. The governor sang it at the memorial service for Richard Smallwood, the composer of this and other great gospel music.
And don't we need some JOY right about now?! Well, I have a lot I feel like writing about today, but maybe the best thing I can do is leave you with these lyrics. You are all smarter than I am with technology, so you can google the governor or Richard Smallwood's name and hear the song sung. But for now, here are some of his lyrics to hold onto.
"Jesus, you're the center of my joy. All that's good and perfect comes from you. You're the heart of my contentment, hope for all I do. Jesus you're the center of my joy." Then he reminds us:
"When I've lost my direction, you're the compass for my way. You're the fire and light when nights are long and cold. In sadness, you're my laughter that shatters all my fears. When I'm all alone, your hand is there to hold.
"Oh, Jesus, you're the center of my joy. All that's good and perfect comes from you. You're the heart of my contentment, hope for all I do. Jesus you're the center of my joy."
Well, there's always something to snatch our joy and replace it with gloom or fear. It was nineteen years ago today, March 19, 2007, that my Mama said goodbye to this world and left for heaven. She, like her friend Lena, taught me a lot about the gospel truth, "The JOY of the Lord is my strength." (Nehemiah 8:10) They both sang and lived joy, not based on feelings or freedom from pain or need, but on the fact that Jesus heard their cries, called them by name, cared for and loved them. Lena was black, like Richard Smallwood. Mama was white, like most of you who read this blog. God created a colorful world. And that should multiply our joy, not divide us .
So, about those encounters. I read in Liesl Smith's and Adele Calhoun's readings for this Lenten season, "When we make ourselves available to God, all bets are off. Grace writes the rules and the wondrous happens...we must never underestimate the transformation that comes from encountering Jesus."
Remember, Jesus can show up through a song, nature, words or a person.
So can JOY.
And that should encourage us to live each day, expecting close encounters of the best kind.
12 Comments
My daughter JOY reflects this commentary. Thank you Jan and I’m so thankful for JOY!
Yes, Joy does reflect this post. And it was a jOY to have her at Gordon College. I thought of you yesterday, cousin Bill, when
I was in contact with someone from Denver Seminary. Hope to see you again this side of heaven. Blessings on you and on your
precious family, dear Bill. Thanks for stopping by via this post.
Dearest MamaJan, you are a JOY to read! Thank you for being a light into this world. We love you!
R
And I love you, precious Raquelita!!! Thank you for stopping by. It must be so beautiful in the Dominican Republic,
while we still have some patches of snow reminding us that winter is still hanging around. However, today is (on the calendar) The First
Day of Spring! I'm so ready. Praying for you often, loving you always. MamaJan
You are such an encouragement- crawling my way out of discouragement and you and jesus are the best medicine!
Well, dear Candy, I'm so grateful to be a healthy dose of something. And JOY is easy to swallow with no harmful after effects.
You're in my daily prayers for ongoing healing. Since today marks the official beginning of Spring, we can anticipate a time
to meet in Glosta for lunch. Until then, may Jesus and Joy show up just when you most need a shot of hope and a sense that
Jesus sees, hears and loves you.
Things can make us happy, but joy only comes from the Lord. Thanks for the important (daily) reminder.
Love, "brother" Dale
Happy First Day of Spring to you, my dear brother-friend Dale. Yes, joy is a gift from Jesus. And the years of friendship with
you and Marty add up to a whole lot of JOY. And I'm so grateful to Jesus for that forever friendship.
Ah Jan, what perfect timing to read these thoughts just as I sit down to start writing a new chapter on the gift of joy! it truly IS our strength. And it's not "down in my heart to stay" but rather meant to be scattered abroad. Thank you, dear friend.
Well, my dear Norwegian sister, you know how to scatter JOY. Keep at it through your spoken and written words.
Jan,I need to tell you how God has surprised me in this season. We now attend Highrock Arlington because Trinity Covenentmerged with them three years ago. My husband who loves classical music has been irritated with the Praise band. On the way home from Church my husband suggested that we start attending the Armenian Church I grew up in. To say I was surprised is to put it mildly. It had been 50 years since we had been part of that congregation. This is my family Church. with half of the congregation being my relatives. I had been longing for the intimacy of Trinity for the past month and had wondered after 3 years why this yearning. When my husband made this suggestion I understood was preparing me for this change. My husband has lung cancer. He likes the young pastor who has been there for2 years and this is why he wants to make the change. The pastor always asks him how he is doing. Mike wants his funeral to be from that Church with this Pastor doing it. So in this season of life we are changing Churches and following God’s voice. God certainly surprises us at times. Happy Ressurection to you. Ann Menzie
How good to hear from you, dear Anne. But I was sorry to learn about your husband's lung cancer. Life has surprises, not all of them good.
But how encouraging to read about God's surprise coming through your husband's request to be part of the Armenian church. And how important
that Mike and the pastor have connected in this time in his life. May you and your husband experience God's presence to comfort and strengthen.
Hope and joy and companions we all need for the journey no matter how short or long the trek. Easter JOY to and through you, dear Ann.