J.O.Y.

I recently attended a Celebration of Life service for Dwight Jungkeit. It was beautiful. What an example of a life well lived. He’ll be missed by many but his legacy of service will live on and was inspiring to hear recounted.

His nephew, Rich Cundall, spoke at the service and discussed Dwight’s outlook on life. He told us that Dwight always said the formula for more joy was to put J.esus first. O.thers second and Y.ourself last. It reminded me of a song Dwight’s sister Dorothy Cundall, taught me as a child in Sunday School- Jesus, Others, You = JOY.

What a simple way to break down a strategy for living well, not just existing. It’s not all about us and what we want or how we want life to go. Dwight and his wife Lola wanted to go to a Spanish speaking country and do missionary work. Instead they spent a lifetime in Sonoma County, CA investing in small churches and missionaries with American Missionary Fellowship, later called InFaith, and starting the camping ministry at Mt. Gilead. These ministries affected countless lives. I was one of them.

A few years older than my dad, Dwight saw a heart for service in him and asked him to join the team at Mt. Gilead Bible Conference Center. This led to a lifetime of service for my parents there and one of the best childhoods ever for me. Who doesn’t want to grow up at camp??

It seems we are all seeking happiness. Internally I’ve seen my own search include a lot of “I statements”. What do I want? What do I need? What do I want to do with my life?

I was reminded during our time of remembering Dwight that our search for joy is fundamentally different. It starts with, “What does God want?” Then moves on to, “What do others need?” And “How can He use my life?” Joy will be the byproduct of this way of living.

In the midst of service we do need to care for ourselves. Remember what they say on the airplane- “In case of an emergency remember to put on your oxygen mask first!” We can’t properly care for others unless we are caring well for ourselves. We honor God by loving those whom He loves, beginning with us. This includes getting rest when needed.

This recuperation business is hard work 🤣 Not because it’s actually work but because it’s humbling to not be the one finding a super cape in the closet and running off to help others. Drawing boundaries that work as my body continues to heal, and continuing to rest each afternoon like a two year old is harder than it looks.

Resting seems easier in Hawaii so we’re here again… it’s so beautiful and wonderful to sit in the gorgeous creation around us and breathe deeply. This is a season. I’m grateful to continue to see measurable results of my energy returning. Adding some wonderful photos courtesy of Brent’s mad photography skills.

I enjoy listening to Andy Rock from Coastal Community Church preach online. He reminds us each Sunday to ask ourselves, “How will we join Jesus in His resurrection work?” God’s after bringing new life into situations. How can we be a part of that, wherever we’re at?

It can start with as simple an act as a smile. It can include random acts of kindness- letting another go in front of you at the store, or holding a door open, buying groceries for someone. It can lead to a commitment to give regularly of time and resources in ways that help others.

In God we have more than enough each day. Even if we have to sit still and rest, there are still those around us who need our smile. How can our overflowing cup splash refreshment on others in their thirst? In being a part of that, we will find J.O.Y.