Can you imagine going to a nursing home and visiting an old friend, only to find that she had more joy than you did? We didn’t need to worry about Esther. We needed what she had.
Matthew 23:11–12 says, “But the greatest among you will be your servant.” The key to Esther’s life—her consummate joy—was a servant's heart. She was one of the few people I’ve met who truly didn’t live for herself. She found joy in living for others. The result of Esther’s servant heart was an extraordinary life—a life filled with extraordinary joy.
She attracted people to her because of her buoyant spirit and infectious joy. She was fun. Funny, too. Even as her physical strength faltered, her joy never did. Her trust in Jesus never wavered. She saw life and people through His eyes, and it made her beautiful. I was inspired by my dear friend.
C.S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity, described true humility. He said:
"Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man, he will be what most people call humble nowadays. He will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person who’s always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him."
You feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility. He will not be thinking of himself at all.
Lewis just described the life of our friend: humble, cheerful, and enjoying life so easily. As others become the focus of our joy, our lives will be filled with joy, no matter what circumstances we live through.
This is a precious, precious truth, and it’s no longer a secret—not to you.
Today, throughout the day, find simple ways to seek joy for others.