The greatest treasures are those buried deep inside where the process of mining brings to the surface something of great value.

For some time now, I have repeatedly voiced a simple prayer, “Lord, allow joy to be more present in my life.”

Most specifically I am asking for His joy, the kind of joy as evidenced “by rivers of living water…flowing from my innermost being”. (John 7:38 The Passion Translation)

It’s said the eyes are windows of the soul, providing a glance into the inner world of oneself or another.

Can I be honest with you?

There have been several times recently when I have paused in private, looked into a mirror, and simply stared at the image looking back at me. At first, it was a bit awkward. The silence was deafening. However, my reflection told a story. It’s a story I am not displeased with, but nonetheless left me wanting more and most certainly allowed me to ponder some deeper things.

My mind strayed to some pictures of my grandchildren and I noticed the spark which I see in their eyes was absent from my own. It bothered me. It really bothered me. It made me wonder what others may be observing when they look at me.

Questions ensued.

If my face is a billboard what might it be advertising? What is going on beneath the surface? How do I get over this hump? For a guy who professes Christ in his life, isn’t He enough reason to allow my face to be lit like a Christmas tree?

I have written in this space and commented to those with whom I interact that God is always speaking. Always.

Although one might not be listening very well, it does not dilute the fact He is always speaking.

A few weeks back we had some Saturday errands to run, one of which was to visit a dress store Jackie loves to frequent. Unfortunately for her, it it was time to shop some sales as the store is going out of business.

When I am on my “A” game with respect to shopping (which I admit is not often), I can usually handle the experience reasonably well, thereby making it enjoyable for my wife.

Last Christmas as part of my gift to Jackie, I gave her the gift of time to go shopping with a good attitude which she appreciated. It was a shared experience. Unfortunately, my “A” game is not the norm.

The norm is best characterized with me making my way through the store with a deer in the headlights look upon my face as we seemingly do endless laps around clothing carousels as I silently pray the end of the ordeal will come sooner than later.

Even my choice of words in the previous sentence reeks of something I have to do versus something I get to do. It is selfish of me and assuredly it is not enjoyable for my partner in this life. It is my desire to do better as she deserves better.

As Jackie assessed her clothing options, I stood to the side talking with another guy who for all intents and purposes was in the same boat I was in. The two of us were lost on the Sea of Why I Am I in Here and hoping the Coast Guard would swing by to rescue us. We commiserated together, bonded, and nearly gave each other a man hug! It was nice to see a friendly face on the Ocean of Endless Shopping.

The man departed and I was left to steer the boat all alone. I have a hunch you may be offering me a tissue to wipe away the tears at any moment!

Although on this day I would not consider myself negative, I surely was not positive during the shopping extravaganza. As Jackie was trying on her selections I stood outside the dressing room area minding my own business.

Getting back to the thought of what my face might be advertising, I got an unsolicited answer to my own question. A nice lady dressed in red and black looked at me and playfully said, “It looks like you are having a wonderful time!” as she passed.

I smiled and said nothing, avoiding the temptation to think let alone say “buzz off lady”. A few additional moments passed, Jackie modeled her choices, and I again was waiting on the Freedom Train to leave this station.

Like it was a scene out of Groundhog Day, another lady caught my eye and questioned me “Are you enjoying yourself?”

Although I restrained myself, the inner Bruce wanted to scream “seriously”. There I was minding my own business when two ladies independently decided to send some verbal volleys my way as if the were reading my mail.

God spoke to me at the dress store.

“What did I do to deserve this?” was the question at the top of my mind.

In the meantime, Jackie got quite a chuckle from what she overheard. Busted!

I decided to do some of the looking inward I mentioned at the start of this post, this time without the mirror.

For me to experience this once would have been troubling. For it to occur twice within minutes of each other changed the whole dynamic. Left unattended, I might have overlooked what God was wanting to communicate with me.

I know enough to recognize when something larger was in play. God decided to send two strangers my way to deliver a covert, but necessary message as I awaited the proverbial Freedom Train to depart the store. He made sure He got His point across for my benefit as well as for the benefit of others.

To have essentially the same question directed at me twice was a well timed wake up call. I need to pay attention to what is happening on the inside as it is reflected on the outside. Sobering, but also very freeing!

I want His joy to leak out despite the circumstances or my mood or my attitudes. I need more of Him and less of me. There are things I am processing as a result of the Dress Store Inquisition and I am grateful that He loves me enough to keep me from myself.

The stuff of life has a way of creeping in and wearing us down. The regrets of the past, the issues of today, and the concerns for tomorrow have a way of dulling the senses where, much like the proverbial frog in the pot of boiling water, we do not recognize an undesired result may be occurring in our lives.

Believe me when I say this has been the case with me for a long time, too long of a time. Joy has been either suppressed or missing altogether at times. I am not speaking about the outward, “don’t-worry-be-happy” sort of thing. I am talking about an inner well from which to draw a good, cool drink.

During this Christmas season, the answer is readily available. My simple prayer this Christmas as I inferred above is “Father, allow your joy to overwhelm me”.

Let it show like it shows in the eyes of my grandchildren and may they always have a sparkle in their eyes.

Presents under the tree are fine and have their place. His Presence, with roots anchored deep down, offers so much more.

“Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared in radiant splendor before them, lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God, and the shepherds were terrified! But the angel reassured them, saying, “Don’t be afraid. For I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! It is for everyone everywhere! For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you. He is the Lord Yahweh, the Messiah.” Luke 2: 9-11 The Passion Translation

No matter what might be pulling at your heart my prayer for you is the same, “Father, allow your joy to overwhelm those who read these thoughts.” My wish for you (and for me) is exceedingly great joy!

Until next time, blessings!