Tues. 14 Dec. 2021

Joy

Lacey Bangs

I always find this time of year challenging. Shorter days, less light, more demands on limited funds and energy result in an overall feeling of grey. Add to that the pandemic restrictions, political turmoil and devastating natural disasters which weigh heavily on us all.

So how can I push through the murk, and look for the joy? I find that if I relax my expectations and give myself permission, I can be satisfied with a muted type of joy. Not the leap-in-the-air, yelling loudly joy, but the half smile, the gentle hand clapping kind of joy. As when I see our neighborhood rabbit sitting happily in the yard, or watch the spectacular colors of a sunrise, or watch the Choir School children perform in the Lessons and Carols service or join my friends and family for time together.

I know that soon the days will be longer, Jesus will be born, bringing hope to the world, and life will seem less stressful. And I also know that quiet joy is joy enough.