My title for this devotion is Shared Joy vs. kept Secrets.

Proverbs 23:15-17 says, “My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right. Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.”

I like that first phrase: “If your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad.” There is nothing quite like having a joyful experience-in your heart or with another-and being able to share it with someone. Even better is to have that someone totally delight in your joy with you.

In just over a week Jo and I will be heading off to Alaska-a gift from people in the church. I had just come through a tough season of ministry. Long hours. Two heart-wrenching deaths of friends from long battles with cancer (one over a year; one over 3 years). I had planned for months to go to AZ to ride an MS ride and to meet friends for the first time, but $$ denied that. I had spent a good part of winter riding outside to prepare, freezing my fingers off, only to be disappointed. It was a tough season at the church (but certainly not like the summer would bring). We came to church April 7th not expecting anything when Kris came up to present the trip to us.

What made it so fun was/is the shared joy.  The people keep asking us when I’m going to walk the plank, I mean, go on our cruise. 🙂 Just kidding. None have done that yet!! Yet!! I think some of them are as excited as we are, maybe even more. Shared joy is good. It is heart-warming.

“Father, your Word says to ‘weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.’  Help me to share in another’s joy, and certainly not let jealousy to have its day.”