Joy Thread

Joy Thread

I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

John 15:11

The year my Grammy Nokie turned one hundred years old, I wrote a book of her memories. Amazingly, I found several similarities between us. Core values, faith, and a thread of joyous humor woven throughout tied us together like quilting stitches. It was clear that my life stories echoed hers.

Grammy came from a large family but was particularly connected to her younger sister, Giva. Often they were a duet of mischief. Once, their mother sent them into the woods to collect berries. Not long into the picking, they heard a bloodcurdling scream that sent them charging back to the house. As they ran, they held onto each other by their button skirts and sailor collars. When they came to the fence, they stopped, breathing hard. Their skirts were down to their ankles, and their blouses were completely disheveled.

It was a perfect opportunity for my Grammy. With wide eyes she gasped, “Oh, Giva, your hair has turned white as snow!”

Eyes full of fear, Giva grabbed one of her braids to look—and Nokie laughingly scooted under the fence ahead of her.

Later when they told their mother of their fright, she shrugged. “It couldn’t have been that bad, ’cause it didn’t scare the mischief out of Nokie.”

Fifty years later, my mother turned to my sister and said nearly the same words about me. It seems that even a joyous confidence that comes from being in Christ was passed down from one generation to the next.

Joy is definitely contagious. Do your friends and family a huge favor—infect them with it!

—Sandy Lackey Wright

Father, I thank you so much for the thread of playfulness that runs through my family. I know that the joy and fun are gifts from you. Please help me to let that joy become a way for me to share you with others. Amen.