“The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Neh 8:10). Joy is a great sign of faith. What things bring you joy? How can you share this joy with others?Through my high school youth program, LIFE Team, I attended a volunteer service project with the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics is an organization that provides children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competitions in Olympic-type sports. I was assigned to help with a few different things, but my favorite was being in charge of small games for the competitors to play. Every time I saw them play the mini games, I could see a light of happiness come from their eyes, and it grew even brighter when they won a prize. From early morning to late afternoon, I was able to bring joy to adults and children with special needs; and their joy gave me joy.
God told us to go out into the world to serve others and to give everything to those who need it. As I was helping, I remembered Acts 20:35, “In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
As members of our group were leaving, not only was the staff of the Special Olympics thankful, but the adults and children were, too. Through this experience God not only strengthened my faith, he also gave me deep joy.
—Luis
“The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Neh 8:10). Joy is a great sign of faith. What things bring you joy? How can you share this joy with others?
Happiness is contagious. Do something that makes someone smile and laugh. See how he or she responds and how your attitude changes, too!