Like that positive tone? That subtle joy and lack of guilt/pressure/worry? It's a new thing I'm trying. I'm going to call it joyful submission, and I'd like to tell you about it. It's inspiration comes from 4 sources I will surely, eventually, beautifully relate to each other by the end of this post.
I'll work chronologically, as these sources impacted me.
1) I stumbled across a book called A Man for Others. It's a compilation of stories and testimonies about the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who. is. AWESOME. I had no idea. I mean, he already gets the awesomeness title because of his huge devotion to Mary (what with starting the Militia Immaculata and all), but his entire life was complete Franciscan, joyful, endlessly selfless giving. As I'm reading this book, I've been struck by his amazing capacity for joy. The man was often deathly ill and suffered all kinds of hardships in trying to start the MI. Not to mention the fact that he suffered persecution and martyrdom at the hands of the Nazis. And over and over, those who knew him commented on his consistent serenity, peace and cheerful confidence in the Providence of God and the favor of our Heavenly Queen.
2) While feeling disheartened, thinking that only SUPER holy people like St. Max could be so joyful, I came a quote (I regrettably canNOT remember where I found it or who said it) that said something along the lines of "joy is a daily choice." And I also know that joy, as being very separate from happiness, is more than an emotion. It is given to us as a grace from God. The decision to choose joy is a decision to choose to accept God's grace and work in our lives. Always a good thing, right?
3) The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. Thinking about them, especially in the life of Mary, brought me to some new insight. All 5 incidents in Mary's life were pretty precarious situations. Being told by a mysterious figure that she was going to have some magic baby out of wedlock, listening to a cousin spout off about her being the Mother of God, having to deliver her child in a stable, learning from some crazy old man that her Son would be the Savior of the world and would undergo immense suffering, and finding said Son after losing Him for 3 days. Tough stuff right? But the situations are still infused with joy. Watching God come through on His promises is definitely a cause for celebration, and for confidence in our Creator.
4) A friend sent a quote on Facebook that goes like so: Real servants don't struggle, they submit.
Ouch. That one caught me right between the eyes. I have gotten stuck viewing this earthly life as nothing but struggle and fighting (the last couple blog posts about war come to mind?), when in reality, thats not the big picture. The analogy breaks down when the fight comes BETWEEN me and God. How silly would it be if an instrument I needed to do a job suddenly decided to not fulfill the purpose for which I had chosen it? How silly is it when I, as my Lord's servant, suddenly decide not to submit to His perfect and loving will? A good servant follows his master's will. As should I.
Ouch. That one caught me right between the eyes. I have gotten stuck viewing this earthly life as nothing but struggle and fighting (the last couple blog posts about war come to mind?), when in reality, thats not the big picture. The analogy breaks down when the fight comes BETWEEN me and God. How silly would it be if an instrument I needed to do a job suddenly decided to not fulfill the purpose for which I had chosen it? How silly is it when I, as my Lord's servant, suddenly decide not to submit to His perfect and loving will? A good servant follows his master's will. As should I.
So, integration time. St. Maximilian's example of genuine, ceaseless confidence in Mary his Queen, and in God was a reflection of Mary's endless joy and humility as Mother of God. St. Max chose joy because he chose to submit to his Master. Real servants don't struggle, they submit.
Hmmm, let's give it a shot. There is abundant cause to be joyful this time of year. It is Easter.
Are you a real servant?
Grace to you all, and peace!
