A few months ago someone on my social network shared a video of a man singing Schubert’s Ave Maria at DisneyWorld. In the video it appears that the man had simply been walking with his daughter and encountered a pianist in the lobby of the Grand Flordinian. He began to sing along with the pianist and his voice is incredible.
I love the video because it seems so spontaneous. The man is singing a piece that some consider the crowning masterpiece of nineteenth-century choral composition while wearing a Richard Sherman Seatle Seahawks Jersey and shorts. His daughter stands next to him wearing a Minnie Mouse shirt and an expression that exudes pride and joy. A crowd gathers around and at the end of the performance, spontaneous applause breaks out.
I’m inspired by this video. I’m inspired by a man who uses his gifts to bring joy in unexpected places. I want to be an agent of joy too.
We need a fresh perspective in order to serve joy to others. In each space we enter, we must ask ourselves what beautiful things are already at work and how we can highlight or elevate these things. When we meet others, we must ask ourselves what delight looks like for them and how we can realize that delight.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we lived in a world where people lived with those questions at the forefront of their minds.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up
1 Thessalonians 5:11a
If you want to see the video you can find it here: youtu.be/JXyd9tNWJqc
Questions for Today
- When have you experienced unexpected delight?
- What is one way you can serve joy to others this week?
Advent Action Guide
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