That advertising campaign was developed for the California Milk Processing Board began in October of 1993 and is still popular today. Early ads featured someone with a mouth stuffed with sticky foods or a mound of cookies then the logo and the question would be posed.  We all got the message that if we were to be prepared when that moment came upon us, and come upon us it would – we wanted to be certain we could answer the question in the affirmative. It was clear as a bell that we would want to be prepared before that moment of dire need. They seemed to want their product on hand for the time when the inevitable arrived.

Is there anything missing in your life? Got joy? How about your joy? Has it been stolen, lost or have you simply given it away? What does the fruit of your life show? What happens if you wait till you think you need it before you search it on rather than having it on hand?

Do you find yourself spending a large amount of time: comparing yourself to others, holding grudges, complaining about other people’s actions, or dwelling on past hurts? In recent memory have you sent the invitations and RSVP’d to your own pity party, showed up and been the last one to leave? Are you the sole positive person in your inner circle? Do you have to stretch to find things to be grateful for in your life?

Our lives bear fruit. The same way that one knows an apple tree from a citrus, or almond tree (by its fruit) our lives give clear indications of what we have in our hearts. You may not have been present when the tree was planted yet when the fruit is present the difference is unmistakable. When you spend much of your valuable time comparing your life to others, complaining about others, blaming others for negative circumstances in your life and feeling sorry that you are you by diminishing the good in your life, you bear fruit too. Possibly you are living a life where joy is already absent or is simply slipping away.

I am not speaking of happiness here. Happiness has to do with happenings, things that occur in our lives as we journey on our path, objects or events that create a sense of well-being because that event took place. Happiness like hate, fear and even hope tend to directly connect with an object or action.

Joy relates to the overall understanding or sense of knowing that everything is going to be all right. Regardless of what the temporary situation involves. In adverse situations we can have an understanding that despite the present appearance of things there is an abiding awareness that the outcome will be desirable, and worth it!

In the book of Hebrews 12:2B we read in the Message Version speaking about Jesus, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

In essence Jesus was able to press through the events that occurred at the end of His life here on earth because He knew that His actions would contribute to the overall good of God’s purpose. Though His flesh was not happy He was joyful because He had the end result in mind—salvation for you and me!  Hallelujah!!

According to Galatians 5:19- 21 “It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on. This isn’t the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God’s kingdom.”  The Message Version.

That is what we have without joy in our lives.

When our hearts indicate we are seeking God and His way of doing and being right the fruit of our lives include joy, we see in what that looks like in verses 22-23 of the same chapter: “But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.”

So as we move forward in to the sticky and unpredictable mounds of challenge that await us on this journey. Does one want to wait until one is in dire need before one checks to see what one has in the pantry? Or do you want to check right now and see? Got joy?

Take Inventory and Take Action!

This advertisement comes to you via Maps and Lanterns from our Maker!

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”