Joy is the simplest form of gratitude (Karl Barth).
The need for joy
Before stepping into this Wing Chaplain position, I visited with a former supervisor. Sitting at the table across from him, I asked one simple question--"What do I need to know before starting this new job?" His answer surprised me. There were no "Take care of people," or "Watch the money," or "Keep up with the administration," or any of the myriads of answers I expected. Bob looked me square in the eyes and said, "Kraig, be sure to find time to do things that bring you ... joy."
I did not fully appreciate his sage wisdom at the time, but then, I stepped into the position, where I discovered that if I go on vacation for more than 2 days, I come back to 200+ e-mails (99% of which are "SHORT NOTICE TASKERS"), meetings piled one on top of the other, a team engaged in drama and about to fall apart, plus any number of other major issues. Last Friday, for example, I went from a meeting to a counseling to a meeting to visiting units to taking care of some people to praying with small groups to hospital visitation to ... home, where I gladly collapsed on the couch. Please don't misunderstand me. I love being a Chaplain. I thoroughly enjoy my job as Wing Chaplain. Yet, as with any senior leadership position, the job can be soul-sucking and never-ending and energy-draining and hard to find satisfaction in. And that's where Bob's advice comes into play. "Be sure to find time to do the things that bring you joy."
Understanding joy
What is "joy"? Merriam-Webster defines "joy," in part, as "a source or cause of delight." It also means "to experience great pleasure or delight." Bob's advice was that I find time to do the things that cause me to experience pleasure or delight. Rephrased, Bob told me, "In the middle of the hubbub and frenzy, Kraig, practice care for self." While I will take a vacation (despite the threat of a horde of e-mails or team drama afterward), I have discovered that joy may be found in the smallest of things, and I attempt to capture those regularly.
Children bring me joy. Observing them, holding them, and playing with them--even for a few minutes--gives me a much-needed boost of joy.
Teaching brings me joy. Seeing my students connect with the subject and watching the light bulbs come on ... whew! There is no better boost for me.
Listening to my team laugh and talk and enjoy each other as they work together or eat together gives me joy.
Connecting in a meaningful way with another human being, even if for just a moment, brings me joy.
Well-written poetry and excellent music (anything from Beethoven to Postmodern Jukebox to Train!) bring me joy, and are easily interspersed into my day.
Going outside, sitting on the bench, and watching the F-16s fly over or the sun rise and set on the mountains brings me joy.
Drinking a great cup of coffee or eating a wonderful meal brings me joy.
Stopping to reflect on my calling as a pastor gives me joy.
Speaking with Mom for just a minute brings me a quick shot of joy.
Communicating with my daughters hits that joy switch in a huge way.
The rhythm of joy
Joy is life-giving. And the imperative to find joy in the midst of everyday crises and administrivia cannot be understated. Yet, it need not be found only in the extravagant or in times away. Waiting until there is vacation leads to an ever-diminishing fount of joy. Delight may be found in the small things of the everyday, a sustainable rhythm of life among life's daily pressures.
Reflect
What brings you joy?
How do you regularly experience delight?
Share a favorite passage, poem, or song that fills you with joy!
What could you do to find joy at work today?
Make the upcoming hour overflow with joy, and let pleasure drown the brim (William Shakespeare).
