“In your presence there is fullness of joy.” Psalm 16

“Joy is prayer; joy is strength; joy is love; joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.” Mother Teresa

“It’s the joy of life.”  That’s what Amy, a server at the Lorne Pub in Oban said Friday evening when I asked her the reason for her cheerfulness.

Oban is a bustling seaside village on the northwest coast of Scotland.  On Saturday I would catch the ferry for the last leg of the journey on my way to Iona. I had passed through Oban before but never spent much time here.  So, I made it a point to arrive early and spend the night.  Of course, I stopped by the distillery and though the last tour of the day was full I still had time to do some tasting.  Then I strolled around the town taking in the site of fishing boats bobbin on the bay, then walking to St. Columba Catholic Church, and of course visiting some local tourist shops and a local merchant of woolen items. I had seen an advertisement for live music at the Markie Dans, advertised as having the best beer garden in town, but was disappointed to discover that the band didn’t start until 9:30 p.m., a bit late for me.  So instead, I walked back toward my B n B, and on the way noticed a charming pub called the Lorne, where I decided to stop in for a drink.  Upon entrance I was greeted cheerily by a woman whose appearance reminded me a bit of Minnie Driver, famous British actress perhaps best known for her role in the film “Good Will Hunting”.  Though the pub was bustling, there was an empty high-top table in the back of the room where I was seated

My dear mother used to enjoy “people watching”, and I’ve taken up the practice.  People are fascinating!  The person who quickly commanded my attention was the waitress, not due to her appearance or apparel, but rather her persona.  The smile on her face, her easy laughter, the engaging way she interacted with the customers, the bounce in her step and the almost ethereal manner that she seemed to flit around the room, at times skipping and almost dancing all exuded a radiant and resplendent aura.  It was as if her whole body was a bundle of joyful energy that naturally sprang forth from her innermost being!

The bartender had served me an Iona gin and tonic (what else?).  I slowly savored the drink along with the scene I was witnessing.  After some time, the waitress came over to ask if I wanted another.  I used the opportunity to attempt to satiate my curiosity, “What is it that is making you so happy?  Did something special happen today?”  She looked at me, perhaps a bit surprised that I didn’t “get it” and responded, “It’s the joy of life.”  A remarkably simple and sincere answer.  I suggested she bottle what she had and sell it! She would make a fortune!

It’s the joy of life!  Of course it is!  So obvious, yet so elusive.  And definitely not what I was expecting to hear.  But it gave me pause and made me ponder.  “What is it that gives me joy?”  Certainly, I’ve been filled with joy as I embarked on this return to Iona.  It fills me with joy to be with my family, my dear children, and grandchildren.  I’m joyful that I have the means by which to support my lifestyle.  But admittedly, I sometimes struggle to find joy in the daily humdrum activities of life, and especially in those occasions and events that aren’t conducive to being happy. 

What about you?  What gives you joy? Where do you find joy?  How do you project joy to others?  Is it evident and obvious, like it was in that waitress?

Her answer had left me pondering many such questions as I slowly savored my second drink.  I continued to wonder what else was fueling her engine of apparent everyday ecstasy.  Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical.  There HAD to be something more to it than that!  There had to be something obligating her to make a good impression!  I was intent on finding out, and so I waited until the pub had emptied a bit before paying my bill. As I approached her at the bar I asked her if she was the owner of the manager.  “Not at all”, she responded.  “So where is this joy of life coming from?” I asked.   “Some time ago I had a spiritual awakening”, she replied, “And I came to the awareness that joy is not something you find outside of yourself, it’s inside of me.  It’s a presence. And its with me every moment. But it’s not only mine, I share it with others.”  I was so taken by her answer, not only in what she said, but in the way she said it, not with spiritual arrogance or a sense of pride, but yes, with humble joy.  “What is your name?” I asked.  “Amy”, she replied.  “Amy”, I said “You’ve been the highlight of my stay in Oban.  Thank you.”  I wanted to hear more of her story, but there wasn’t time, and she was busy.  And so, I left.

As I walked back to my lodging, I was left pondering that brief yet oh so powerful evening and exchange.  It was inspirational, but also motivational.  Amy didn’t have to speak words to convey the simple joy of being alive.  I thought of the many times I’ve missed joy or allowed my joy to be stolen either by life’s events (or my perspective on them) or by other people.  I thought about the saying “The glory of God is a person fully alive.”  In her joy Amy is fully alive!  Alive in every moment. And then it hit me, finally, that I had experienced a divine encounter in the Lorne pub.  I had been experiencing the spirit of God in the presence of this joy-filled soul!  And I was filled with appreciation and deep admiration, to Amy as well as to God for gracing me with this time.  And yes, I was filled with joy.  How could I not be? 

“Each day holds a surprise.  But only if we expect it can we hear it, see it, feel it when it comes to us.  Let’s not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy.  It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.”[1]

---

[1] Henry Nouwen