Complexity of Joy

For some, this year has started off with sad/bad news of illness and loss.  Unexpected and unwelcomed, this news has, in some cases, completely changed the tone of things to come; perhaps not just for this coming year but for a lifetime.  So how do I find joy (my word for 2011)  in these circumstances?  I can sympathize with the affected parties and be joyful that the news is not about me or my loved ones.  That joy certainly has some validity but it's a very narrow, shallow and self-focused joy.  I don't think that's truly the kind of joy Jesus was talking about when he promised us His joy through the Spirit.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38)

No, I think the joy that I get will be directly in relation to the joy I give; to the level to which I seek out joy and share it with others.  The joy isn't simply about me.  It's about how I affect, or can affect, others as well.  And so the joy I feel in hearing the sad/bad news that some people are now facing, is a joy in being able to pray for them, to see Christ work in difficult circumstances, to perhaps even offer concrete support and help of their choosing.

I would be lying to say that I am being "all Christian" about this.  I am sincerely glad that I am whole enough, healthy enough and in a good enough place right now to be able to focus on spreading joy to others in their time of need.  (And I'd like to keep it that way, thank You, Lord).  Some day I hope to be far enough in my walk with Christ to truly say it's all about Him.