Things I Want To Be . . .

1. I want to be joyful.
In the Sony Pictures film The Pursuit of HAPPYness Will Smith plays a down-and-out single father (based on the true story of Chris Gardner) who struggles to overcome numerous setbacks in order to make a decent living for himself and his son (played by Will's own son, Jaden Smith). The film was very moving and well done, but it made me think about the difference between happiness and joyfulness.

Chris uses a tremendous amount of aggressiveness and determination --- not to mention hard work --- in order to finally make the transition from failing bone density scanner salesman to successful stockbroker. Happiness was always triggered by an object or event. A bed to sleep in (when they were homeless), a hot meal, a check to cash or a positive reception (such as the interview for the internship). Between these brief highs were lengthy lows filled with tension.

True joyfulness, on the other hand, goes well beyond the periodic beats of mental well-being. When we have a gathering and sustaining realization that God IS in control, and that our troubles have not been overlooked by him, that they are, indeed, used for our spiritual growth and development, then we will know joy. Joy that endures roadblocks, sadness and hardship.

2. I want to be loving.
Two passages in the New Testament pretty much say it all with regard to love in the highest order: Galatians 5:22, 23 (which lists characteristics alongside love that are really driven by it); and I Corinthians 13:4-8.

Love is joyful. It not only has joy, but spreads it. It's infectious.

Love is peaceful. It exudes calmness in the face of turmoil.

Love is patient. It doesn't fret, doesn't stress --- and doesn't tap its foot and point to its watch.

Love is kind. It doesn't believe in random acts of kindness. It's always kind.

Love is being good. It wants to portray an example of positive behavior that builds up, not tears down.

Love is faithful. It doesn't give up on you. It doesn't try to replace you. It doesn't even look at anyone else.

Love is gentle. It displays its strength in its humility. It treats the infant and the idiot with equal tenderness.

Love is in control of itself. It doesn't have to be boastful or prove anything or defend itself. It lets God do that.

Love does not envy. It needs nothing but what the heavenly Father provides.

Love is not rude. It seeks to meet other's needs, rather than its own.

Love does not get angry. It's fully aware that even "righteous anger" is probably not what God wanted it to act out.

Love keeps no record of wrongs. Past failures are just that --- in the past. TODAY is the day of salvation; TODAY you can turn your life around, with God's help.

Love doesn't delight in evil. It shuns it. Light and darkness cannot live together.

Love LOVES truth. It's so much easier to love when you don't have the baggage of lies and deception. Love's heart is laid bare.

Love always protects. It will not participate in tearing someone apart or humiliating them.

Love always trusts. Like an innocent child, love will reach out --- even when that trust is tried and found wanting.

Love always hopes. It sees the sunshine after the rain, the light at the end of the tunnel, the new flower bursting forth from the once-frozen ground.

Love always perseveres. It never gives up. It will always get back on its feet when knocked down. It will always reach for the Father's hand.

Love never fails. It's the one thing that binds our world together, across cultural divides, across doctrines, across political differences. It keeps the love-light ever burning.

I WANT TO BE JOYFUL and LOVING. What else could I possibly need?
STEVE