Resurrection joy

It has been almost six weeks since Easter and I am still praying through the Resurrection (and other related) passages!! Slow of heart (as Jesus lovingly called the two disciples on Emmaus Road) perhaps? Or just a plodder, persistent in asking God for the grace of sharing the "JOY" of the Risen Christ. I have read that this grace does not come easily to us, even though it is surely a gift that God wants to grant. The reason is that there are always 'resistances' on our part.

I can detect in myself many such 'blocks' and hindrances!! First of all are the many attachments that are truly inordinate but just creep up slowly (we rationalize what we 'must have') but surely. They are surely 'good things' and even praiseworthy to have, but they have gradually become 'possessions'. The good has been deflected in that one just cannot let go easily. Difficult to receive joy when we cling on to the many 'must haves'. As Paul the amazing apostle shared, he rejoiced whether having or not having!! It is a Scripture with such depth and challenge. I can understand in an experiential way how joy comes in once something is released. I actually have much (true) joy playing with my dear doggy friend Sabbath now that I have let her go. She is mine but in the form of a gift from God, rather than a possession. Just a little example, but imagine the many other things in life that need to be held in such a way...and there are many.

I hope that in the process of moving house sometime in the future, I will really be able to clear out the cupboards, and lighten the stuff that has accumulated over the years. It may not be 'much' since my living space has been limited in this condo, but there are still excesses to trim. There are always things we cling to in the outer world that reflect the things we hoard in our inner world. So I am resolved to journey on, and receive what joy I can, as I gradually allow the Lord to free possessions into His gracious gifts. Much grace needed.

"God's love is a circle whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere".