Joy Unspeakable and Job
I had these thoughts in response to Phillip Dickinson's comments on my May 2006 How to Fight for Joy post. Have you perhaps had something like the following calico account of two of my experiences? I received news that a donor had agreed to give approximately $100,000 each year over the next ten years to a fund for the establishment of a seminary here at GBS . I was overjoyed, elated. My wife comes into my office to inform me that her mother is experiencing excruciating pain and has been taken to the hospital. My wife is in tears. Upon hearing the news from my wife, my sense of joy vanishes or at least dissipates rapidly. I'm distressed and seek to be a comfort to my wife. Did I lose my joy? Most certainly not! Upon the first opportunity that my mind had to return to the contemplation of the donor's pledge, my inward rejoicing and delight (aka joy) resumed its singing and simmered over time to a happy hum. My best short description of joy, at present, is that joy is the e...