Finding JoySample

As we learned yesterday, Harvard Business Review identifies joy as the most elusive attribute required to experience a satisfying life. A key finding in the article titled, “How the Busiest People Find Joy,” is that people get more joy from doing activities with others than from doing them alone.

This should not be a surprise to students of the Bible. Repeatedly, the Lord impresses through his scriptures that his people are designed for community and fellowship. He would not have made two on the sixth day of creation if humans did not need companionship. Ecclesiastes 4 teaches, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”

The authors discovered that professionals experienced more joy when activities were done with others. Life is not only easier but ultimately more enjoyable when lived in community. We are happier, healthier, and more effective together.

Questions For Reflection

• Whom might you spend more time with after work today? What communities do you belong to? Are you connected with a church or some type of ministry?
• What pastimes do the people around you enjoy? How could you participate? What pastimes do you enjoy? How can you include others in your pastime?