I’m grateful my Romanian friend Andrea had a momentary lapse in her English skills.
She’s an accomplished translator, but when we were together recently her excitement ran ahead of her English. In a burst of enthusiasm she meant to say “I’m so glad” but instead she exclaimed: “Glad me!”
I’ve latched on to that phrase, and I’ll tell you why. I recently returned from Romania where I saw abandoned children, now rescued, their heads freshly shaven; families living in shacks atop a garbage dump; elderly given shelter from life on the streets, their legs amputated due to frostbite.
Different circumstances, but a common thread: they were glad. They were glad to return my smile, glad to join me in prayer, glad to receive gifts, glad to be hugged, glad to be valued.
The children were thrilled to open their Christmas “Boxes of Hope” and find a knitted winter hat, candy, and a jump rope. Simple gifts. Big joy. The elderly expressed their gratitude not with one kiss, but with multiple kisses. I was captivated by their glad gratitude. It was refreshing to see a child excitedly wave a toothbrush in the air or delight in blowing bubbles. I watched time and time again as the recipients of the presents, no matter their age or gender, touched each inexpensive gift with wonder.
After sharing with the families living at the garbage dump, I commented to a friend, “If you ever hear me complain about anything ever again, you have permission to slap me.“ But I hope to take it a step further. Not only do I not want to be a complainer, I would like to be a glad me-er: someone who views life through a lens of gladness.
It’s the week before Christmas. I hope there is much gladness associated with your celebration. But my prayer is that the days that follow Christmas are just as glad, just as hopeful. And I think they can be. I’m no Bible scholar, but it’s difficult to read Philippians 4:4 and not come to the conclusion that gladness is a good, even expected part of a believer’s life.
Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say rejoice (Philippians 4:4 AMP).
So whether we possess a little or a lot, no matter our circumstances, and despite what language we speak, may our very lives be translated “Glad Me!”
(Photo Courtesy Kim Jackson)
Thank you for sharing this! Rejoice! Rejoice!