Euphoria

The American Heritage Dictionary defines euphoria as an extreme feeling of happiness or well-being. All of us have different things that give us this emotion. I experienced something I can only describe euphoria a few weeks ago. After I typed out the whole story on Facebook, one wrong button erased it and, with it, erased the euphoria I felt as I recalled the experience. Nevertheless, I decided I'd try to blog it for you again to encourage you to fan into flame the gifts of God given to you, unique you.

I am a host family to some Japanese college gals who are studying in Boston this year. A few weeks ago, we went to Western Massachusetts to see the Boston Symphony in their summer outdoor amphitheater. As we traveled, I was aggravated because the traffic was horrendous and it was just going to take forever.

As we crawled along the interstate, one of the gals asked me what my favorite karaoke songs to sing were in Japan. If you knew me in Japan, you know the answers. I smiled and told them "You Light Up My Life" by Debbie Boone nand "I Cant Fight This Feeling Any Longer" by REO Speedwagon. Being young as they are, they'd never heard these songs, so then I had to sing for them and explain the meaning of the songs. As I was doing this, that feeling of euphoria hit me. No, not about karaoke of sappy love songs, but the joy I get from sharing my life with Japanese gals like them. Maybe it was the nostalgia of memories from Japan, my gals in Kilgore, or even way back to my first Japanese friends in Seattle 15 years ago, but it was a joyful feeling unlike anything I have felt lately.

Japanese people in general are very skeptical of Christianity or religion in general. Though one of the gals went with me to a Japanese church at Easter, their knowledge of Christianity is so little and is so overshadowed by their skepticism. So it was a precious moment for me to be able to explain the story behind "you light up my life". Its not widely known that Debby Boone was not singing about her boyfriend or husband, but was indeed singing about her love for God. As I explained that, it was clear that the girls were listening and considering what I was saying.
Who would have thought that God would use something like traffic and karaoke to provide a moment of euphoria and a Gospel witness as a seed that I know will bear fruit.

The mystery of God's divine direction in our lives and formation of our passions makes me think of the quote by Eric Liddle, the Olympic runner profiled in the movie "Chariots of Fire". He said, "when I run, I feel God's pleasure." I don't ever run anywhere, and if I did I am certain I wouldn't feel any kind of pleasure at all. Perhaps you say the same thing about the idea of spending time with college students or people from another culture. We can't really explain our passions, can we. But what kind of impact could we make in our world if we really did pursue the passions God gives us.

I had hoped to link the songs here on YouTube, but I can't figure out how.. but if I can I'll post them here.