Wed. 15 Dec. 2021

Joy

Sally Murphy

Joy is a small word but it has a large presence.

At Christmas we sing "Joy" loudly in "Joy to the World" and then we sing softly, in "Silent Night". In the recent period of isolation due to Covid I looked in small places for joy. I found it in nature, taking long walks and going out on my standup paddle board, watching the bald eagles in the nest behind our house. In the silence I prayed and thanked God for the blessings I have received in my life.

I can remember in early years the joy in physical "things" but now I focus on the joy in smaller non-tangible experiences and feelings. Being together with my family around the Thanksgiving table, back singing with the choir in church and still taking long walks (although the eagles are gone now), these are the places I look for joy. There is joy in watching my grandchildren grow up. There is joy in still being able to ski and play tennis. There is joy all around if I am still and quiet enough to hear it's small voice speaking to me.

Yes, Joy is a small word but it has a large presence in my life and I pray that it is in yours.