Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. … Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:3-4,14-15, ESV

There is a lot of talk about things that “spark joy.” I know the words “Snow Day Cancellation” sparks joy in the hearts of many students and educators, but not in mine. I grew up in southern California; so unlike my students here in central Washington, I have no fond memories of snow days spent snuggling with a cup of hot cocoa or sledding with friends. And because I am one of those eager beavers who like to lay out lesson plans and enter them in the online system weeks in advance, school cancellations mean I have to rewrite my plans. I also fear having the school year extended if we have too many cancellations, and I actually enjoy teaching my students and seeing them every day. So, when classes are canceled, especially when canceled due to anticipated conditions that do not materialize, my natural response is to grumble or complain.

Paul told the Philippians not to grumble or dispute. He told them to consider the interests of others. When I do that, I can acknowledge the concern my administration has for the safety of my colleagues and students. I might live only two miles from campus with no icy bridges to cross or slick hills to descend, but many in our school community live across the river or up on hilltops several miles from our campus. I might have all the years of experience driving to know when to slow down in icy conditions, but this is the first winter driving for most of my students. When I take Paul’s advice and consider the safety of others compared to the inconvenience of changing my lesson plans, I see how selfish my heart can be.

What if I choose to respond to the cancellations with joy instead? Joy is not contingent upon my circumstances. Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians from a prison cell and mentions joy or rejoicing at least 16 times in its 104 verses. It is also in Philippians that Paul says he has learned to be content in any circumstance with Christ’s help. Joy is the response of a heart that recognizes who our God is, the Almighty who sees it all beginning to end, and what He has done for us, giving His own life to cover our sins and inviting us into a relationship with Him. Joy is a choice. It is a learned behavior, and it distinguishes us as we shine as lights.

Heavenly Father, thank You for offering us an alternative to living self-focused grouchy lives. Thank You for inviting us into a relationship with You, the source of real joy. Help us to walk in obedience by considering others’ perspectives and best interests. And help us curate joyful hearts as we learn to shine as lights in our world.

Copyright Diana Anderson.

Diana is a Christian Educators member who teaches history and art to secondary students at a Christian school in Kennewick, WA.