First Sunday in Lent

Joy is not in things, it is in us. -- Richard Wagner

Above is a lesson we discover time and time again. It is easy to focus during these difficult times on the first part of Wagner’s quote. We all find ourselves with less — less money, less in a retirement plan, less travel, or for so many less food and less or no shelter. So we tell ourselves we can do with less, reciting a mantra, “that things don’t make us happy.” But then our focus is right back on “things.” We will work harder and/or longer to replace the money and pleasures lost. Worse we become so self-absorbed about our own “things” that have disappeared, we we turn a blinder eye to other’s suffering.

Now, I am as guilty as anyone, and maybe more, than others in falling into this trap. It is also not wrong to try to restore our personal financial security by working harder, saving more, or eating less. However, the key is to not forget the second part of Wagner’s quote — "Joy... is in us."

If we go about restoration without Joy we lose the essence of life. Just as much as suffering exists, Joy exists. It is found when we laugh when we want to cry, we sing when we are off key, or we seek it out in the beauty of God’s creation. This Lenten season take a minute to petition God to help you find that joy that is in each and everyone of us. When you find it you will feel God’s pleasure.