O Happy Day

So, you would think that by the title of this post we have had a fabulous day. In the end it turned out well, but it did not start out that way. Today Miyako and I had our play group and I was really excited about it as we were going to the Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Hall - five floors of fun activities for kids of all ages and free! The problem is it was in Shibuya, a part of town I am not very familiar with, but I am sure most of you would recognize it. You know when you see shows about Tokyo and they show that crazy intersection with thousands of people crossing in every direction at one time? Well, this is Shibuya. I have found places with my I phone google map but was really nervous and a bit insecure about trying to find this place. My fear got the best of me, and with the cold and rain, I skipped play group and opted for the free indoor kids hall one station away from our apartment. It would have taken me a hour to get to Shibuya and I just did not want to go all that way with the possibility of getting lost and a cranky toddler tired of her stroller.

We had a nice time at the place we went. We stayed for two hours, met some new Japanese friends, learned about a little gymnastics class near our place I can put Miyako in next year, and came home. I was still a bit down though in spite of the new friends we met. I was mad I did not try to go and that my fear got the best of me. And with the dark clouds and cold rain outside, it just added to my little pity party.

To top things off, Kan had to work late tonight due to a meeting. Blah! I still find it crazy that Japanese business men plan meetings for 7:30 on a Friday night. Does that ever happen in America? Rarely. Anyways, Miyako and I went to some friends house after her nap (WAHOO, she is back to napping) and on our way home walked through the indoor mall near our house to stay out of the rain and stop in the international market. I saw this Japanese choir getting ready to perform in the lobby of the mall/business center. I decided to stop and let Miyako listen as she seems to love music. The people in the choir were of all ages - ranging from 4 year old little boys standing in front looking cute to a 70 year old woman clapping off beat. I had no idea what we were going to hear as I could not understand the lady explaining who they were and what they were going to sing. I did understand "O Happy Day" and wondered if they were actually going to sing that song.

The choir began and this was no ordinary Japanese choir. It was a Gospel choir and they had soul. They started singing the words "Alleluia, Praise the Lord" and I simply stood there in awe. Never in my wildest dreams would I expect to come across a Japanese Gospel choir. And then the second song was "O Happy Day." You know the words..."O Happy Day, O Happy Day, when Jesus washed my sins away." I got Miyako out of her stroller and we twirled around and sang along. It was then that the Holy Spirit softly spoke to me, "Shari, each day is a happy day because Jesus has washed your sins away." Wow. Quite a moment. The choir continued to sing some songs in Japanese, but what a way to end my day, deeply encouraged and reminded that each day is in fact a happy day because of what He did for me.