Article June 1, 1935 Issue

Joy

[Written Especially for Young People]

FLORA A. WATERBURY

In a Christian Science Sunday School class of senior high school girls, the question was asked by one student, "Why is it that whenever I go anywhere thinking I am going to have a good time, I find that I don't?" The teacher, after a prayerful pause, recalled hearing of a family the members of which would say to each other as they left home, "Give a good time," instead of saying, "Have a good time." As she quoted this the student's face lighted up, and she said, "I see." She had realized instantly that one must give in order to receive. Christ Jesus brought this thought clearly to the attention of his disciples when he said to them: "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

How often joy seems to be taken from us when an expected letter does not come, a friend's visit is delayed, the problem of securing work is unsolved, or the purchase of something has to be postponed! And yet, what untold blessings are awaiting us as we rise above the belief that joy depends upon material things!

When we are able to see that joy is inseparable from God's infinite love to man, we realize that joy is spiritual, not material, not dependent upon any material conditions. We see that it is unlimited, and that there is always an abundance for all. As joy is infinite, it is always available; and, being eternal, there need be no fear of losing it. As joy is one of God's loving gifts to man, we are entitled to use in His service all that we need. Christ Jesus, our Way-shower, told his disciples that their joy no man could take from them.

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