One day, I had taken my four-year-old to the park to play. He loves the swings, so he made a bee-line for them as soon as we got there. In his typical independent way, he wanted to learn how to “pump” his legs so he didn’t need me to push him anymore. The more he tried, the more frustrated he became.

Next to him was a little girl, roughly his same age. She was laying on the swing on her stomach running as far ahead a she could before her feet left the ground, giggling as she glided backward. My son heard her laughing and stopped to watch her. The longer he watched, the more the frown on his face turned into a smile as he sensed her joy. Then, to completely share in her joy, he jumped off the swing, came around behind it, laid down on it, and began doing the same run/glide swinging as his new found friend. Soon, they were both running, gliding, and laughing together.

That is Christ’s invitation for you. When you are feeling particularly frustrated or sad, look to Christ and share in His joy. Receiving the Eucharist, praying in adoration, or listening to Christian music are some great ways to experience the contagion of Christ’s joy. It is a surefire way to turn any frown upside-down.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13

Originally posted 2014-05-12 06:00:34.