You can borrow Joy

Dear Men,

You can borrow someone else’s joy.

It may be one of the simplest ways to keep yourself from taking your blessings for granted. There are things you once prayed desperately for that have quietly become part of your routine.

The children you once longed to hold now keep you awake at night, the spouse you once prayed God would bring into your life now occasionally gets on your last nerve, the job you once celebrated landing now feels like just another place you have to show up to; even the faith you once pursued with excitement can begin to feel like another item on your weekly schedule.

Perhaps, because these things have become familiar, you no longer see them with the same wonder. What do you do when routine wears you out?

Seek the company of people who have just received what you are getting used to.

Stressed with the bundle(s) of joy, children can be? Attend a baby dedication, dance with the couple, share in their joy, give a gift.

Is your spouse annoying you? Attend a wedding, see how thrilled they are to now be man and wife. How enthusiastic they are to read the vows? Join them on the dance floor.

Does your career feel stagnant? Spend time with someone who has just landed the opportunity you now call “normal.” Does your faith feel monotonous? Hang out with new converts. Their wonder may remind you of yours.

You don’t always need a new blessing. Sometimes, you need a fresh perspective on what you already have. Soak in their joy, Savour the gratitude; familiarity does not make a blessing less miraculous.

Count your blessings. Name them one by one. You might just be gobsmacked by what the Lord has done.

I’ll write you next week. Remember to never return the joy you borrowed; it’s yours now.