This makes me think of a song I learned when I was a child that talks about how to have joy. "J is for Jesus for He has first place; O is for others we meet face to face; Y is for you and what ever you do, put yourself third and spell J O Y."
I forget this a lot. Being a normal human being, I love myself, a lot. Too much in fact. I want my way, I want me to be comfortable, I don't want to have to worry about other people - even if it's someone I love sometimes - especially at a personal cost, etc. But I'm working on it. And every now and then the Lord reminds me that no matter what I'm going through, I'm supposed to be thinking of others. Because if I'm thinking of others, the Lord will provide for my needs.
He just reminded me of this a moment ago. A dear, dear friend of mine is going through a rough week, I'm not going to elaborate. You're just going to have to trust me. I wouldn't want to be going through what she is this week. But I forgot, didn't even think of what this week might be for her, until I just read her blog. I felt horrible but suddenly remembered that last week I sent her a note, out of the blue, that I imagine she received some time this week. I'm not saying that note lifted her entire week or anything, but it was so humbling to think that even when I wasn't considering others, the Lord was working so that when I did remember, I'd already been able to do something. To send comfort and support in the best way I knew how.
Would it have been better if I had actually remembered and sent a note that was more specific? Possibly. But since I was being a selfish human, that wasn't possible. So I'm glad that I was able to do the little bit I did. So, learn from me. Do your best to be thinking of those around you and what you can do for them. That is truly the source of JOY.
With Prayers,
Sarah