And the Lord their God will save them in that day as the flock of His people; for they are as the stones of a crown, sparkling in His land. For what comeliness and beauty will be theirs! Zechariah 9: 16,17 NASB

My grandsons had to be cleaned-up from our adventures, puddle jumps and rock-tossed circles in our pond. I was in the process of cutting zig-zag carrot medallions for their dip, but they were ravenous. To distract them, I began to hum “This Little Light of Mine.” I challenged them to guess the song. Their eyes twinkled with amusement as they joined in the game.

To teach God’s grace and love in the mundane is a gift of joy. 
   
Lunchtime delays also gift the lesson of the fruit of the Holy Spirit: longsuffering, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23)

Jesus invites His children to make room for His presence while we feast. 

The Lord makes us like a warrior’s sword. Yes, grandparents! Our voice is a powerful tool to spread the “good news” and bring glory to His name. It starts in our home with the young and vulnerable. His arrows go forth to protect and defend us against the giants. The battle belongs to Him. We are His beloved flock—rescued, delivered, cared for, guided and sustained. In all ways! His comeliness and beauty will be ours. 
     
Comeliness, like an old soul, is not a word to skip over. In Hebrew:
Good. Best. Beauty. Gladness. Welfare. Joy. Fairness. Desire. Plenty. Spiritual Blessings.

Nor is joy! Short and sweet, but full of depth and meaning. Joy in Greek:
Calm delight. Gladness of heart. Good cheer. To rejoice. Humor. Laughter. Bliss. 

While happiness is based on our circumstances, joy is a gift from God to treasure.  We can know joy, even when the hour is late and lonely, and the hospital hallways echo hollow hope. The strands of joy:

Agalliasis- a display or expression of joy through song and dance. To welcome gladness. 

Euphrosune- a healthy frame of mind. Wellness. Good cheer. Mirth.

Chairo- a result of God’s grace. Heartfelt. To rejoice. Be well! (A salutation’s bounce.)  

The joy of the Lord is our strength, even when broken bones, damaged joints, and cancer slows our steps. We lift our eyes and seek Him and His perspective. We can find humor in mishaps, vulnerability, and want. Besides, weariness and weakness gift opportunities to lean. God’s grace abounds in intimacy with Him. We’re gems in His crown, sparkling in His land with worth and purpose. Our lives testify of His glory and power. We trust that the fruit of our labor will be plenty. The Lord delights to give good gifts.

The following day, the boys and I found a humming bird nest on the backside of our pond. Cattail fluff, twigs, leaves, and wiry weeds were woven into our messy locust tree and song. Summer’s final flight drew near. However, there is joy! 

Whatever you face, may God bless you with His gift of joy: His song, dance, laughter, and wellness of mind!

Lily Mae

Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10 NASB.