More About Rejoicing

I have a bit more to say on this topic of entering into the joy and excitement of others who have good news. Last week I made the comparison to the family unit.

In a family, a wife is not irritated if her husband comes home exalting over an increase in pay. Nor will a brother be threatened if his sister becomes Miss America. They rejoice together because the success of one is the success of the other. They go up and down together.

So I believe that in leadership roles we must endeavor to draw attention to the joys, thrills, excitements, and successes of those we are caring about, so all will be encouraged to celebrate with them. As true friends and loving care partners, we should strive to be interested, excited, and happy for the one who wants to share something wonderful they have experienced.

But perhaps that's a lofty ideal. Maybe its even unattainable, because even families are not free from competition and resentments. We are all of a body and we are all worse off when one is sick, injured or unemployed; likewise, we are all better off when one of us is lifted up by a victory or mountain-top experience!

Time and structure in every meeting ought to allow for letting each other know the joys and concerns those present are carrying. How abnormal to meet for an hour or two as a church council, choir, or Bible study class, carrying on the business of the kingdom, and then go home unaware that one person is bursting with excitement over his son's acceptance at the Air Force Academy, another is happy about a promotion at work, and yet another just found out that her first grandbaby is on the way.

A caring community doesn't "just happen"; planning, structuring, and enabling must be consciously employed to both "bear each other's burdens" and “share each other's joys”.

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Be on the lookout for an opportunity to share someone else's joy and to celebrate with them. Share with us how you did that at ShowUp@careandkindness.org or Like us on Facebook and add a comment there.