My mother’s comment about Marti when she first realized we were getting serious was that she had been praying for someone for me who would make life fun, and it looks like her prayers were answered. Well I can truthfully say after all these years that she was right. And though I’ve done more than enough to put that spark out with my naturally worried and more cynical nature, I haven’t been able to extinguish it. And now Marti tells me her New Year’s resolution for 2011 is: Have Fun. It doesn’t look like this will be going away any time soon.
Lest you interpret this as just something flippant (although I think it is that, too) it is definitely more than that. The fun Marti brings is something deeply spiritual. It’s a kind of un-self-conscious enjoyment of life in the Spirit. It’s an abandonment to God that puts you in the center of the Spirit-life looking out. If you are looking in, you are not there. If you are having to ask: “Are we having fun yet?” you are not there. In her own words: “I think there is fun in everything that is of the Spirit – snow days, work days, or days when you sit in the lap of the Almighty wrapped in His robes of righteousness while peering out to see what He sees – it is all fun!”
Is this being insensitive to tragedy? Does this having fun bit only work when things are going well? Let me just say that it’s been a while since the Fischer household was all looseness and light, and yet the fun is still here. It’s really life in another dimension. It’s the Spirit-life where God’s in control. It’s that place where His will is being experienced on earth as it is in heaven. It’s what Paul calls life in the “heavenlies” and it is not pie in the sky by and by. It is here and now. The kingdom of God has come… and it’s fun!
John Fischer The Catch 
I really like this. I think I’ll adopt it also as my New Years Resolution!
I understand Marti. Every day is a new experience in life. Just accept what God does and enjoy it. He is in control and each day is fun- if you look at it that way. It’s all in your perception……
Oh, John and Marti, if you only knew how much I needed to see this today. Went to church last Sunday and saw posted that a protege of Glenn Beck’s is going to do a Constitutionalist Seminar there in a few weeks. I went off the deep end saying that this is diametrically opposed to my desire to bring civility back. Have been hot all week; yet HAVING FUN. Most difficult thing I have ever stood up against and said, “No more!!”. Have been looking the option that God would have me take, but it will most probably be worshipping elsewhere. So, I needed to lighten up and you helped me put that into perspective. Have shared it with the local paper http://knox.villagesoup.com/member/story/are-you-having-fun-yet-by-john-fischer/374800 and friends.
Thanks for passing this on, and good for you for standing up for what you believe. Just be civil about making your civility point!
“This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
At the same time, let’s remember the Christians in other places like Iran, North Korea, Myanmar, Sudan and many other places where life is not fun. It’s a struggle to be alive where they are suffering incredible persecution for their faith. But even there, they can enjoy God’s presence in places where there is absolute darkness.
“Fun” is much deeper than just having a good time.
There is nothing wrong with having fun, even as we recognize all the grief in the world. I have a friend who calls that “Joy in Jesus.” And as we pray for all the Christians who are suffering for their faith, we also pray for the non-Christians. Many also suffer–and they do not have that “Joy in Jesus.”
I think this is what Jesus meant when he said,”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” – what it’s like to follow him, and rest from our own efforts and agendas.
John, what I appreciate about you goes way deeper than the words from your heart. It’s that when I read your thoughts and devotions, I learn not only from your words but even more so by the example that is so easily visible and audible in the unspoken words. It’s the love, adoration and respect for Marti and your family that shines, even when you’re not speaking specifically about them. It’s the servant’s heart that comes out when you’re filled with wonder and awe over something you’ve been involved in or witnessed. It’s your humanness, your gentle spirit and your deep desire to serve God in not only the big things but in the little things. Thank you John for teaching me so much! May God bless everything your hand touches, and may he bind the love you and Marti share with an everlasting hold! Bless you both!
Thank you!
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,
oh good, that sounds like fun,
whenever you face trials of many kinds,
whoa, hang on a minute, Lord, that’s not what I signed up for,
because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Whose idea of a good time was this?
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I’m not sure I quite understand, Lord.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
are you talking to me?
who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Life might not always be fun, but somewhere between the trials I’m slowly learning what it means to consider it pure joy.