The third candle in Advent wreaths is pink, not purple like the other three. Pink is traditionally associated with joy and celebration. After the anticipation of celebrating joy last month, I was unexpectedly without Internet service and connection with friends and family for two and a half days over Christmas. I am looking for joy in January.
A friend started me on my path to joy when she sent me the following poem by Jan Richardson from her book, Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons:
Blessed Are You Who Bear the Light
Blessed are you
who bear the light
in unbearable times,
who testify
to its endurance
amid the unendurable,
who bear witness
to its persistence
when everything seems
in shadow
and grief.
Blessed are you
in whom
the light lives,
in whom
the brightness blazes –
your heart
a chapel,
an altar where
in the deepest night
can be seen
the fire that
shines forth in you
in unaccountable faith,
in stubborn hope,
in love that illumines
every broken thing
it finds.
The best medical prescription I have received so far was “Get a minimum of five minutes of joy a day.” Poems are perfect. Visits and hugs from friends are a special treat. Connecting friends who do important work in the world is exhilarating. You are my feet on the ground out in the world. Thank you!
Reading a good book with my feet up can soothe my body, mind, and spirit. A tiny piece of gluten and dairy free dark chocolate with crystalized ginger with lunch lingers long enough to bring me joy without keeping me awake at night. A good night’s sleep and sweet dreams are reason to celebrate.
Stubborn hope depends on finding joy in daily life, amidst all the broken and the breaking news of the day. My financial advisor got a letter from the Grinch in his stocking. May his heart grow at least three sizes. It is, after all, love that illumines every broken thing as well as every potential joy.
It brings me great joy to hear from people who read this blog. Special kudos for those of you who reply with poems--extra credit if you write them yourself!
The most joyful being I have ever known was my dear doggy, Spencer. His portrait hangs over my desk. A yellow lab, he learned as a puppy that our UPS driver, Marge, carried dog treats in her uniform’s breast pocket. He decided that all women do that and jumped for joy when women came to visit and leaned over to pat his head. Even his notes of apology were joyful.
May you mindfully jump for joy this January!