Mason

“…the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV)

Mason gets so much out of every day. He loves to sing and make believe. He loves his teachers, friends and his family. One of my favorite things about Mason is how, in a very simple, childlike way, he loves Jesus.

On this particular day, Mason was celebrating his sixth birthday. As I sat and watched him, I was amazed at his energy and enthusiasm. I have seen children enjoy birthdays before, but never quite like this.

Early in the day, Mason came to me with a bright orange, helium filled balloon and asked me to tie it to his wrist. I figured that balloon would either be popped or somewhere floating in the ceiling in a few minutes. I didn’t realize how wrong I was about that guess. He still had it on his wrist when the party finally broke up two hours later.

Mason was so happy to have his closest friends at the arcade to celebrate his big day. When I whispered to his mom about no one bringing Mason a birthday gift, she explained that she sincerely told them not to do that. Mason’s birthday is in December, and his mom understands the expense that each parent was dealing with at this time of the year. She simply let them know that this was a day for fun, arcade games and birthday cake. Mason wasn’t the least bit phased by the lack of presents. He was too busy having fun.

I have painted Mason with a most angelic brush. Well, if you have children, you know he isn’t an angel. The one difficult moment that day came when Mason and a little friend had a cross moment. All it took was one parental growl, and Mason resumed his happy celebration. All was forgiven and Mason’s happy party never missed another beat.

As you may have already guessed, Mason is “somebody special” in my life. He’s my third grandchild. Of course, to me, my other four grandchildren are treasures, too. But Mason’s exuberance on this day just stood out. It made me think of the joy that life can and should bring to everyone who knows and loves Jesus.

Most believers know, one of the toughest things we have to come to grips with is being filled daily with joy and contentment. That’s because the hard days always loom. There will always be insurmountable bills, sickness, bad habits, family strife and so many other dark themes. But as believers we should remember the story behind our key verse.

Please take a moment to read the 11 short verses referenced below.

Nehemiah 8:1-11

This true story illustrates how sincerely repentant sinners can find strength in the joy of our God. If you read the story, you know that when the law was read to the people, their hearts were filled with sorrow. God showed them how they had broken His law and been unfaithful. But they repented. God did not want them to be all consumed with guilt and grief. He wanted them to quit weeping and have a great feast. He wanted them to have joy.

Certainly, we cannot treat every day like Mason’s birthday. But stop and think. If you are a true believer, and foster your relationship with God through Bible reading, a personal prayer life, fellowship with other believers, sharing the Gospel, and repent of known sin, then you will know true joy. It’s not a gift. It is The Gift!

Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15 (KJV)

How beautiful are the feet of those who share the Good News!

Isaiah 52:8 (Paraphrased)

King James Version (KJV)

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