The other day I was driving along County Road 3, listening to a CD that I had made for my husband. The CD held fifteen different pieces of classical music. Some he had identified as ones he liked; others were pieces that I added because I believed he would find them just as appealing. The resulting collection was one which he has enjoyed many times.

As I listened to one piece in particular, I suddenly felt a strong sense of connection with him. The music moved me and, because I knew it also moved him, it seemed for a moment like my husband was in the car with me. As soon as I was able, I called to tell him of this experience and my joy in the music. At the same time I reminded him that I loved him. It was a good moment.

In his book Reflections on the Psalms, C. S. Lewis wrote,

"…We delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment…. delight is incomplete till it is expressed."

When I read that, I knew exactly what he meant. If something happens during my day that blesses me or makes me smile or brings me happiness, it seems like the joy is not fully complete until I can share it with the person I love.

I don't think it is wrong to suggest that the same dynamics can exist in our relationship with God. As we walk through a garden, listen to music, read the Scriptures or share with a friend we suddenly feel a strong sense of divine connection. Could it be that God, like the people in our lives, is longing for us to come and talk to Him in these moments? When we are moved by the things that move Him, is He seeking to make a connection with us? When we respond and tell Him that we love Him, do we bring Him joy?

We have every reason to look at the world with fear and trepidation right now. Unprecedented economic concerns are sweeping our globe. Each day's newspaper seems to tell us of a new threat to the environment. We hear of natural disasters and acts of cruelty that are beyond imagination. We are no closer to meeting the challenge of poverty than we were decades ago. We worry about young men and women who are in perilous places of conflict. We wonder about the world our children and grandchildren will inherit.

The good news is that Christians are not driving along a highway by ourselves. The music of His presence is always with this, if we will only tune our hearts to become aware. Without this conn ection our spirits will not survive the journey ahead.

And we need to recognize that, any joy we find in this world and any moment of connection we sense with God will not truly be complete until we reflect it back to God, with words of love.

My husband was glad to get my phone call that day. I believe God is gladdened when we call upon Him. Yes,

He wants to hear the cries of our heart when we are in pain or anxious. But He also wants us to talk to Him about the special blessings of our days. He wants us to acknowledge the moments when we have become aware of His presence. He wants us to share our joy.

And when we do, our joy becomes deeper. Our joy becomes complete.

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11