What's in a name? I know my sister Joyce completely fits hers. The characteristic every Christian needs to have, she often says, is JOY. You can know a lot about God and the Bible, be able to talk about truth and even be able to be a real practical help to people you're with...but if your life isn't radiating happiness, it's all pretty worthless. I think Joyce was born--over 60 years ago--smiling.
By the time I got to Bethel Baptist Church up in mainland Japan, where she worked for 16 years with co-workers Joe and Noney Mita, the believers there knew her for her "Joyce Smile". I found a photo of her last Dec too, down here in Okinawa last year, when we went to a nearby park in the evening for a light show, and I called to her for a candid shot. She quickly turned around, waved, and yes...she was smiling.
Yesterday was Joyce's birthday, supposed to be the nicest day of the year, but although she won't make a fuss, she wasn't feeling well. Instead of birthday cake and fizzy pop, I took her milk toast and soup on a tray with a "Happy Birthday Joycie" sign.
Some 60-year-old engines wheeze at night and the body tends to rust and not run as smoothly as before. (This photo was taken when we went out on a day she was feeling better!)
But I couldn't help marveling at my sister's way of living: she offered me no-caffeine tea, knowing I was looking for something that would not aggravate my restless leg problem. She wanted ME to smile; wasn't even thinking of herself!
How many people do you know who want others to be happy on their birthdays? Jesus was born because he wanted us to know eternal joy.
