Shock Words

By the time you’re reading this I’ve already downed at least half of these…

ALAS…

We can’t control everything, much as we may try. A brutal flu bug hit me at the most inopportune time last week (on the way to leading a team at a huge conference).

No way would I quit. Always push it further than you want to go. I only lasted an hour. Hello humility. I think Jack Draper can relate. He recently fought through tonsillitis in front of thousands.

Life unleashes the unexpected. Even the Earth itself is pulling a plot twist these days.

Life also moves with surprising shapes and signs. Just ask the SETI institute. The scientists here study non-human intelligence in their search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Right now they are hyper-focused on whales that have begun blowing bubble rings to humans.

EVER SEE ICE AGE? 🤣 

A find by Russian scientists is certainly giving these vibes.

The theme of my first newsletter this year was, “Expect the Unexpected”. When the shocks come, is your improvisation tapping into joy? There’s this really cool Psalm that reads: “Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people, Joy-seeds are planted in good heart soil.” (97:11)

It’s available always. Tragedy disregards the ruthless pain of death and loss. God doesn’t. When things skew, joy doesn’t. It’s a constant. The scriptures read, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

It hit me last week, that we not only access and build our strength from joy. Joy IS the strongest living-expression, in and of its own right. Why? It’s rooted in Love.

Joy is quantum and integral, even when our bodies and minds may weaken within the constraints of time and space. I’m convinced Jesus proved there’s more. I lived that last week, and despite everything, feel restored. May you experience a joyful week!