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Giver of Joy

I went away recently for a week to a conference. It was only the second time I had left my son for a prolonged period of time. When I'm away I find I really miss him, and worry that something might happen to him while I'm away. I know this is because I love him and he brings me such joy. Of course these things are all natural and I'm sure things all parents can relate too.

As a follower of Jesus we are called to put Jesus above all else. I struggle to understand why this has to be the case and how it could ever be when I love my son so much.

While I was away I was thinking about this and I remembered why we named Reuben what we did - yes because we liked the name, but more because of the meaning - 'God has blessed me with a son.' The moment I remembered this, I recognised that while Reuben may be an object of my joy, God is the joy giver. The true context in which I can enjoy Reuben, and indeed any gift is in relationship with the one who gave the gift. The only other option is to say thanks for the gift, and take it out of that context.

This is what happens in the well known story of the prodigal son. The son asks for his inheritance and swans off living a lavish lifestyle, away from the generous loving father who gave it to him. Then when it all goes to pot, not only has he lost the object of his joy, but he is removed from the source of joy too. He comes to the realisation, that even the smallest part back at his loving fathers would be better than the nothing he is left with, so he returns, and his father is waiting, running even, with open arms.

So this is what I realised, of course I'm meant to enjoy Reuben and even miss him when I'm away, but I have to remember the context where I can do that the best, in a relationship with God, the loving father who wants to bless us abundantly. God, the giver of our joy.

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