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