Lil Smith
February 21, 2015
1

Mark 2:18-22

I am thinking about the price of joy.grapevine5b1[1]

I know a young man who has become comfortable with life in a box.  He experiences neither deep sorrows nor exhilarating joys.  He resists embracing a full life to avoid the pain that could result from taking a risk. He doesn’t realize that he is shutting himself off from possibilities that he can’t imagine.  The price of joy seems too high.  He is “safe,“ but bored.
The disciples experienced the joy of knowing Jesus and witnessing the full possibility of a life with God.  Jesus hints at the price of joy when he talks about the time when the bridegroom will be absent.  The disciples will fast from their old ways in order to be equal to the promise of the kingdom.

Following Jesus involves taking a risk.  I am used to managing my life, attempting to control the flow of events to fit into predictable patterns.  But I know how confining these old wineskins are.  Today I want to pay the price of joy by breaking up those old, comfortable patterns.  I want to embrace the possibility of being transformed in Christ.

(c) 2015 Nancy Jagmin

About The Author:

My simple life… is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I let God lead me. I have been married to Greg for 27 years and we have three wonderful children. My simple life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I let God take control. I followed God’s call to begin seminary at Perkins School of Theology in January 2006. I graduated in May 2011. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God’s call. I began the Degree in the Art of Spiritual Direction at San Francisco Theological Seminary in January 2009. I graduated in May 2011. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God's call. I was ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA and spent three amazing years in Pastoral Ministry at Highland Springs Senior Living in Dallas, TX. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God's call. My passion is the Christian Spiritual Life. As a spiritual director and retreat leader, I am so blessed to hear how God is at work in the world. How is God at work in your life?

One thought on “An offering from Nancy: The price of joy…”

  1. Sammy

    Ha. This is so true, good post. Nacy, you better put on your seat belt because your prayer if answered will give you the thrill ride of your life. Hang on. Bless you

    Reply

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