I’ve been thinking a lot about joy.
The brightest and best at Harvard say that joy is essential. In fact, studies have even shown that happiness is directly related to our overall health. In other words, the healthier we are, the happier we become. In Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 19th Surgeon General of the United States says that status, wealth, achievement, and fame doesn’t guarantee happiness (p. 33). For Murthy, it’s proven and predictable neuroscience. Happiness comes from a connection with another human being. On one hand, I think we can all resonate with how isolation makes us grumpy, cranky, irritable, sad, anxious, and everything else we may characterize as “unhappy”. No doubt, pandemic purgatory has lessened our happiness quotient. On the other hand, I can think of plenty of happy people who are perfectly content with our current introverted lifestyle. So, where do we find joy - a steady happiness that doesn't leave us during a pandemic?
How can we bring joy because we have God’s gift of joy in Jesus?
And just so you know. . . you bring me joy! Love you all. |
Meet Pastor TimTim Bayer has served as Our Savior's Lead Pastor since September 2019. He also serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Concordia University - Irvine, a National Leadership Facilitator and Resource, and a Community Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Tim studied sociology, psychology, and theology prior to earning his M.Div at Concordia Seminary - St. Louis. He has also is a candidate for an Ed.D (ABD) in Transformational Leadership. He is married to Beth and they have three young children. Together, they enjoy exploring the outdoors, experiencing culture, and pizza and movie nights. Archives
June 2023
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