Choose Joy
Choose Joy were two words that commanded my attention one morning when I read a friend’s social media post. Immediately I recalled her bright smile and loud laughter as I completed reading her post. It was perfect timing for the perfect reminder.
Two days prior, while driving down a street in my neighborhood, I grumbled at the trash that was scattered about. The trash could’ve been from a driver who pitched it out their window or from an overflowing garbage can at the corner store. The thoughts led me to think of the vast disparities in the neighborhoods we’ve lived in since moving to Columbus.
As I turned the corner, I felt the urge to look up. In a moment, the beauty of autumn was on full display. In the warmth of the red, yellow, and orange leaves on the trees lining the street, God’s splendor was bursting like flames against the clear blue sky. I slowed down to rest in that moment before the car behind me caught up. I smiled. That pause was filled with pure joy.
That was the perfect reminder of the joy that can be found when we look up. In recent days, my face has been in my hands to catch many tears as I grieve. Yet the gorgeous autumn trees and the early morning social media post reminded me there is joy around me; it can be found when I look up. This day, I begin with joy.
As I write this post, I am listening to Nat King Cole’s, “A Christmas Song.” I smile as I remember Christmas mornings of my childhood full of wrapping paper on the floor from the gifts we’ve opened before our parents were out of bed. When we heard Mom and Dad awaken, we all knew we could play Christmas music. First up, the classic “Christmas Song” I was now listening to. As we sat in the living room playing with toys or trying on clothes, Mom came down the stairs and the magic began. She didn’t say a word but just pulled out presents from behind chairs, under tables, and in closets. Presents we had totally missed! No matter how many years she did that – even as adult children – it was the biggest surprise. That was pure joy then and pure joy in this moment as I relive the memory.
Remember, you can choose. I suggest you choose joy!
