Read About It: Ecclesiastes 2:24,25 & 3:22
I didn't marry a martial artist, but I am married to one now. My husband started taking Karate over a year ago and I've never seen anything give him so much joy (except maybe me).
I have a friend I talk to on a regularbasis. i can't remember how we got on the subject but I asked her what her dreams and talents were when she was young. She told me she had loved singing and acting and had been active in her school drama group. Her dad had squashed her dreams though, telling her that those weren't professions for Christians to get into. Eventually, she gave up on her passions and went on to college and a work world that have nothing to do with those dreams.
She's a relatively happy mother of three, in a good marriage, working a part-time job that she has no complaints about. When I talked to her about her old passions she said it didn't matter anymore. What would she do with them now anyway?
Still, I see a woman who doesn't know who she is, isn't quite sure what she's here for, and can't quite put her finger on what's missing. Day to day things are fine, but every now and then, when busyness isn't filling every moment, I know she wonders - where's the joy?
My husband (just like me actually) has always been fascinated with the Martial Arts. Those Karate Kid movies put a passion in every member of my famiy's hearts. I'm not sure why he never pursued it before. Eventually my son took Karate for a few years, and I suspect my husband lived vicariously through him. Then my son quit (long story about the laziness and lack of priorities of youth). Some time later my husband discovered a dojo across the street from his work that offered lunch classes. We manouvered our budget and my husband's been taking Karate ever since.
Karate has changed my husband - in ways I couldn't even begin to describe. And in practical ways too. He's lost forty pounds, and he's starting to develop muscles where he's never had them before. His passion for karate leaks into every aspect of his life. I don't mean it's an obsession (although I suppose I could make an argument for it). I mean, the passion, the joy, and the peace he gets from doing what he loves - something I believe God built into him - overflows into every part of his life. My marriage and his work have significantly benefitted from Karate. Even my husband will tell you that Martial Arts are the best thing that ever happened to him (except for maybe me).
Don't get me wrong. I don't believe it's the karate itself that's made the difference. As if there's something magical about martial arts (I do highly recommend them though). No, God gave my husband childhood dreams and passions andn ow he's living them. He's found his joy.
My friend doesn't see any purpose or use for he childhood dreams, and maybe she won't earn a living as an actress - but I look at my husband and know there's still an overwhelming reward for pursueing your passions - even if they are "purposeless".
In case you were wondering, I have two passions - two sources of joy. The first is art (I take painting classes) and creating. The other is teaching and helpig people (especially when it comes to God). That's why I blog and encourage you to ask me questions - that's where I find my joy!
Where do you find your Joy?