Joy Happens

Many of my weekly musings are inspired by the events of my week and this one is no different. On Friday night our church hosted a fundraiser event to help reduce the remaining debt from a recent facility expansion. We titled the event “Joy Happens” mostly to promote the speaker we had engaged as entertainment after the banquet dinner. Jep Hostetler is a well-known speaker, magician, and author whose effective use of humor helps his audiences connect health and faith to living with joy. My more subtle reason for choosing this phrase invited participants to experience the joy of generosity – when we willingly share our wealth and resources for a common purpose.

It seems that both of my wishes were granted that evening. As expected, Jep gently guided the audience to consider the six attitudes that make living a celebration (and I quote from his book, The Joy Factor, available from Herald Press): 1) Life is a gift; 2) Life is sacred; 3) Life is difficult; 4) Life is short; 5) Life is funny; and 6) Life is a spiritual journey. Using jokes, inspirational stories, and magic tricks he entertained and taught these principles well. For those of us who spent more time with him and his wife Joyce during dinner we also experienced this joy firsthand. The message is always more inspiring when the messenger lives the principles and Jep certainly modeled that for us.

The joy of generosity came alive for me when one of our church members contacted me less than two weeks prior to the event offering an unexpected contribution toward the program expenses and matching fund. Their voice cracked with emotion as they explained how grateful they felt for the church’s support and encouragement in recent months. Knowing they could give something back had obviously captured their heart. As the recipient of this unexpected act of love I could only say “thank you” and bathe in the joy of the moment.

Leaders can model joy for others but they must also create an environment where joy can happen spontaneously. By recognizing the sacred connections we all share, by showing empathy during difficult circumstances, and by using humor to celebrate life’s inimitable situations you will become a catalyst for creating joy. When joy is present in the workplace stress is reduced, satisfaction soars, and fun elevates the mundane.

Laughter is more than just good medicine. It is a sign that joy is present. What will you do this week to make joy happen in your workplace?