It’s easy to get tricked,
taken for a ride,
convinced that joy
is a possession.
Something to be caught, contained and controlled
just by us.
As if it’s a birthday present,
waiting for us to unwrap it
and keep forever and ever.
And who can blame us,
with pain seeming so powerfully prevalent, and permanent.
If sadness can stay for so long,
why can’t joy?
But maybe it’s elusive
for a reason.
Maybe it’s slippery
in order to help us understand
that it was put here to fly.
Or better yet:
To be flung!
To be passed, not possessed.
To be spread
between you and me,
between the ones who receive its gift
and the ones that have been looking for its treasure
for a very long time.
Maybe it’s a beautiful and elegant contagion,
over which we just might have more control than we think.
If only we share it.
If only we notice that joy is not ours to keep,
but ours to give.
Maybe joy is a gift that opens us
as much as we open to it.
Maybe that’s the way light leaks into our weary world. (author unknown)
Every month, All Peoples makes materials available to facilitate exploring a theological theme. Our April theme asks us to explore JOY, something that is very much needed during the hard times we are experiencing.
Joy does not always simply present itself to us like a gift. Rather, it is something that we must be on the lookout for and engage with like a treasure hunt. Joy may present itself in the most commonplace of experiences in our lives: noticing a beautiful sky; walking in nature on a sunny day; siting down, wiped out from the chaos in the world around us and having a warm, fluffy cat bounce up into your lap to cuddle with you; having coffee with a friend; laughing out loud from something that tickles your spirit.
So, how about it friends? This month, let’s keep ourslves open to the simple joys that surround us, if only we can take the time to notice them.
One of the best ways to explore our monthly theme is to talk about it with people who are close to you. It’s also a great way to develop trust and deepen our relationships!
Let’s explore together! Click
HERE to access a list of reflection questions.
