Where Do You Find Joy Today?

Posted On March 24, 2020

We’re all suffering right now. The waves of fear and courage seem to ebb and flow like ocean tides. There’s a “both—and” to this current global experience we’re all part of.

Rather than focusing on the fear and suffering that hits me like a baseball bat, I got the God-nudge this morning in my Quiet Time to reflect on these words from Henri Nouwen:

“Learn the discipline of being surprised not by suffering but by joy. As we grow old . . . there is suffering ahead of us, immense suffering, a suffering that will continue to tempt us to think that we have chosen the wrong road. . . . But don’t be surprised by pain. Be surprised by joy, be surprised by the little flower that shows its beauty in the midst of a barren desert, and be surprised by the immense healing power that keeps bursting forth like springs of fresh water from the depth of our pain.”

So, the question I invite you to ponder with me is this: “Where do you find Joy today?”

Here’s my short list of how I was surprised by joy today:

•Having a safe place to sit in the quiet with God and hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit remind me, “I am with you.”

•Taking my dog Riley for a walk and hearing the Robins sing morning praises to the Creator.

•Having life slow down so I have more time to be Present to my wife and children.

•Listening to Only in God from Michael Talbot on You Tube: (here’s the link: Only in God You Tube Video) 

•Getting an instant message from my daughter with this YouTube Video It’s Going to Get Better attached (here’s the link: https://youtu.be/1nrcZQliOGI)

How about you? Where do you find joy today?

Email me back with your thoughts at brian@brianplachta.net or post them on the Simple Wisdom Facebook page by clicking on this link:  Simple Wisdom Facebook Page.

We’re all in this together. Let’s encourage each other to look up, not down, and see the joy that’s here even while suffering.  I look forward to sharing your inspirations!

blessings to you,
brian

Written by Brian J. Plachta

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