I want you to stop and think of simple moments of pure joy that you’ve experienced. They come often and in many forms in our lives. Most of our joys come to us in this unexpected way. They’re simple, unassuming, and unplanned moments.

Have you thought of a few? I have. For example, seeing 2 squirrels frolicking in the tree outside my bedroom window when I look up from my work during the day. Or the beautiful colors painted across the sky in a sunrise. What about the smell of salt in the air at the beach or the feel of the sand between my toes. Perhaps even the moments of looking into the eyes of my children and holding their hands sharing love and affection. Another such moment is hearing the sweet sound of my mother’s voice. Also, feeling the warm embrace of a dear friend or receiving a smile of encouragement from a loved one. Simple things, small things, that may matter nothing to anyone else but me. Yet they bring such great joy when they are multiplied and added together. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you have no joys because there isn’t just one great joy. The truth is, you have a thousand small and simple joys if you would only stop to notice.

I pray today you will have your eyes open to see all the joys, the simple and big ones alike, that are waiting to be perceived and received.  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy (simple or otherwise) and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”