“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”
Albert Einstein
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10
Where’s the Joy
Have you ever had bad instructions? This week I have been working on a new knitting project, and the pattern left something to be desired: details. It gave you a picture of how it should look and a chart. However, there was very little explanation of the chart, which did not follow standard chart rules and was a source of confusion. Pat Miller (The Taming of the Ewe) and I both looked it over several times. It took starting over three times before we figured out what was intended. Now, I am starting to enjoy the process of creating. When you know what you are supposed to be doing, there is joy in doing it.
Knowing and Doing
8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
Nehemiah 8:8
In order to know how to do something, you need a good teacher. I had Pat, and Nehemiah and the Israelites had Ezra. In Nehemiah chapter eight, the people ask Ezra to bring out the book of the law and read it to them. He not only read it to them, but he also “read it distinctly” and “caused them to understand.” He taught them what it meant and what they were supposed to be doing.
When they realized how much they had not been doing, they were upset, but Ezra told them not to weep. Instead he told them to do what the book said and enjoy the feast. Now that they knew what was required of them, they could move forward in obedience and in the joy of the Lord. So, they did.
A Great Teacher
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26
As modern Christians, we have the Bible in its entirety, but like the pattern with very little explanation, it can seem daunting and confusing. Yet, God did not leave us hanging out to dry. He sent the Holy Spirit to remind us and teach us. When we accept Christ as Lord, the Holy Spirit moves into our spirit so that we have instruction at all times. It is like twenty-four hour a day tech support for free. 
The next step is doing what you have been shown. This isn’t always easy, but nothing ever worth doing is easy. It is, however, a source of joy to be involved in the process. The Christian life is one of becoming more like Christ, and the joy is in the becoming, the process of creation at work in us.
Choose Joy
We are a work in process, so let’s give ourselves a little grace to grow. Do what you know to do, and find the joy in the everyday world. Do something creative, something that brings you joy. Enjoy today, and God will take care of tomorrow.
What brings you joy?
Always choose joy my friend. Another great post! Thank you