Remarkable Joy

After switching jobs at the end of January, I realized that amazing managers actually exist. The manager I now work for is adorable, especially in her short height and goofy personality. She's so friendly. She's so joyful. She's so kind. She's respectful. I actually feel like I am appreciated for the work I do, unlike the last place I worked.

You know what is most interesting to me about my manager? She doesn't know Jesus.
Yet her attitude remains so positive and so joyful.
It made me realize a couple things.

For one thing, often times, we hear the message that Jesus is the only thing that satisfies - and this is true. But I think when we hear this, we automatically make the assumption that everyone who doesn't know Jesus is miserable and unhappy. I've realized that this isn't always the case. Which leads me to another point...

How many of us followers of Jesus, or so called "Christians", live life miserably?
I look at my manager and admire her attitude and kindness, and it's ironic to think she doesn't know God. BUT, if an unbeliever saw a miserable or not so joyful Christian, and then saw my manager... I wonder what they would think.
Would that make them want to know Jesus, if they see us living unhappily, complaining about something, or having a bad attitude?
Quite frankly, if I didn't know God, I think I'd probably rather be like my manager more than that so called "fulfilled in Jesus" Christian.

So what's your attitude like anyway? Are you joyful? Well you should be! In fact, our joyfulness is commanded! Check out these verses:

"Be joyful always..."
1 Thessalonians 5:16a

"Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!"
Psalm 32:11

"But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful."
Psalm 68:3

"Be joyful in hope..."
Romans 12:12a

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy..."
Galatians 5:22ab

"The LORD has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad."
Psalm 118:24

And to think, that's not even all of the verses that mention it! I think too often we forget the joy in knowing Jesus and what He has done for us. Come on people! Be joyful! You know the Creator of the universe! What could be more joyful than that!?

Our group for my youths mission trip to Tunica, MS last year.
This pic just makes me laugh heheh. :) I love all these people!