Experiencing Joy through Service

A great way to escape our self-absorbed thinking patterns

Author

Dustin Anderson
July 01, 2024

Every Christmas season my family will volunteer to ring the bell for the Salvation Army at our local grocery store. Usually it’s in December and it’s cold. Also it tends to be a busy time of year too. When the time rolls around to go ring the bells, I do not feel like doing it. My mind comes up with all sorts of excuses why it’s not a good time right now so maybe we should reschedule. However, my wife is a disciplined person who commits to following through on her commitments every time. As you can guess, we go every year without rescheduling it. While I find it a challenge to want to show up, once I am there I am glad to help out and never regret it. I leave our time of volunteering feeling energized to tackle what remains ahead for me that day.

THE LESSON

We experience joy when we set aside time to help others in need. Service is a great way for us to escape our self-absorbed thinking patterns and notice those around us in greater need.

Can you relate to a time when service filled you with joy and gratitude? Please reply and share with me!

Trivia Question!

A study by Yeung, Zhang, and Kim, researchers from the Department of Applied Social Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, found that volunteering led to ________% increase in mental health.

A. 3.45%

B. 5%

C. 8.54%

D. 11.2%

*answer is at the bottom

What I am Listening to

Does music speak to you? Are there songs you find motivational for you? I ran across this song, “Good Day” by Forrest Frank, when I was feeling discouraged recently and found it very motivational. The most impactful line in this fun-spirited, upbeat song for me is, "The God of the universe knows me by my name, so it's a good day."

Every day you wake up can be a good day because Jesus knows you by name and cares. Jesus is where joy is found and this song has brought me much joy recently.

Need a Laugh?!?

Or an eye-roll. Check out my Instagram Reel with this song :)

Tip of the Day

Do something unexpected to serve someone you love today!

Serving others allows us to escape our self-absorbed thinking patters and help someone else in greater need. This is where true joy can be found!

My Reflections on the book “Unwanted”

I found this book, Unwanted by Jay Stringer, later in my recovery journey. It has helped me to further see the importance of doing the work of recovery. Three lessons I took away for my life are:

  1. To find freedom I MUST learn to share and deal with my anxiety, shame, and anger in healthy ways.

  2. There is a tension I must live within when it comes to how I view my past. I can honor people in my life while also being honest about the ways in which they hurt me. It is a both and, not an either or.

  3. Lasting freedom requires that I deal with any trauma or abuse I may have experienced in the past.

Unwanted by Jay Stringer

A Quote to Read

Instead, what I suggest is that when we hear stories of trauma and addiction we should suspend our instinct to help and learn to listen and watch for the movement of God. If you want to meet Jesus, head out to the places and people you have largely dismissed and listen to them tell stories. Sometimes you will be unable to discern whether you are hearing stories of suffering or joy.

Jay Stringer

Around the Web

  • Read more from Jay Stringer in his article, "What a prostitution survivor taught me about joy." The Quote of the Day came from this article and is an incredible reminder of how we are to love and serve others. Feel free to read more here.

Latest from Social Media

John 15:10-12

When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

I want to hear from YOU!

Hit reply and share with me:

  • How has volunteering or serving others been a benefit to you?

  • What has volunteering taught you?

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TRIVIA ANSWER

C. 8.54%

A study by Yeung, Zhang, and Kim, researchers from the Department of Applied Social Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, found that volunteering led to an 8.54% increase in mental health