A Happy Surprise

“You fill me with joy when I am with you.” — from Psalm 16

After he saw the tree, Lawrence wanted to give his whole life to God. So he asked to join a monastery. A monastery was a big house where men lived together to pray and work. The men there were called “Brothers,” and that is how he became Brother Lawrence.

But Lawrence had a funny reason for going. He thought that in the monastery he would get into trouble for being clumsy. He expected to be told off for every mistake he made. He was ready to give up all the nice things in life for God, even if it made him miserable.

Then God surprised him.

Brother Lawrence said that God “disappointed” him, but in the very best way! Instead of being miserable, he found nothing but happiness there. He had been ready for a hard, sad life. Instead God filled him with joy.

Brother Lawrence learned that following God is not about being unhappy. Being close to God is the happiest place there is.

Some people think that loving God means giving up all the fun. But God is not a grumpy king. He is kind, and the closer we come to him, the more joy he gives us.

Dear God, thank you that being close to you is the best and happiest place to be. Fill me with your joy. Amen.