She was sitting having breakfast with her dad. Smiling and waving at everyone who walked by.  I smiled and said "Good Morning Beautiful." Her reply was the biggest pancake covered smile I have ever seen. Her joy was infectious. All of us at tables near hers were caught up in it. Even the servers would pause by her table and say hello. 

Nearing the end of our breakfast, I excused my self from the table to use the restroom. As I walked by, her small, syrup covered hand reached for mine. Who can refuse such a gift?  I took her hand and whispered "Jesus loves you."

Her smile has stuck with me all day. The joy she shared with the entire restaurant. Her enthusiasm for the moment, her excitement for each person. I met Joy today. In Matt 18:3 and 5, Jesus said that we must become as little children and whoever receives one little child like this receives Me. Her dad was not trying to stop her, hush her nor was he apologizing for her behavior. He was letting her spill her joy.

The Christmas season, the rush, the family, the presents, the stress, take away from the joy. We say "Jesus is the reason for the Season."  We stand in long lines, battle the crowds to find the perfect gift, worry about money and loose our sense of wonder. Yet, Jesus, for the joy set before Him endured the cross for each of us. The joy set before us, the gift Jesus gave us, He came here to walk among us so we can walk with Him in Heaven. I came face to face with joy today and came up short. This beautiful little girl, this package of joy, would be seen by many as disabled. I am the one who is walking around with a handicap, one that blocks me from spilling the joy of the Lord.

Joy- A feeling of great pleasure and happiness

Ps 16 :11 You will show me the path of life, in Your presence is fullness of joy: at Your right hand are pleasure forevermore.

Father, release the joy I have in You within me so it flows freely from me. Spill it over all I meet.