Joy

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you . . ."  (St. Paul in I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

I read a passage about joy this evening.  It stated that it is possible to find joy even during the most difficult times. 

This reading reminded me of my blog entry of December 18, 2010, where I said, "Moments of joy might show up more frequently in my life if I release my preconceptions about what joy is 'supposed' to look like." 

It has been a challenge to find joy over the last several days as back pain has flared and digestive issues have taken a lot of my attention.  Even the treatments that are supposed to move me in the direction of better health are not very pleasant sometimes.

What a good time to remember that the tiniest flower or the smallest gesture or the briefest word may be an opportunity to rejoice.

"Rejoice evermore.  Rejoice evermore.  Oh, I wish that it was always in my heart and in my tongue."  (John Adams as portrayed in HBO mini-series)