Joy Shows Up

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52

 A friend surprised me with this seed wreath for Christmas. I hung it in my patio tree and waited for my beloved backyard birds to enjoy it. But no one seemed to notice it. For weeks! Suddenly this January, I looked out and an adorable little house finch was sitting directly in the middle of the circle happily pecking away at the seeds. Soon after some cardinals took a turn and knocked the seeds on the ground to gobble them up off the pavers. My heart was truly filled with joy at a surprising time! It was a moment that could only be captured in my heart and my spirit. But thinking back on the finch in the wreath still gives me joy.

Joy is like that. It can sneak up on us in the most unexpected times and ways. We don’t have to be ready for it. Joy just shows up! The disciples in Acts were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit at an unexpected time in chapter 13. It was after they were rejected in their missionary efforts and moved on to another venue. Check out the story in Acts 13!

 May joy show up for you in the days ahead in 2024! Check out this poem about joy choosing you by Donna Ashworth:

 JOY

Joy does not arrive with a fanfare,

on a red carpet strewn with the flowers of a perfect life.

Joy sneaks in, as you pour a cup of coffee,

watching the sun hit your favorite tree, just right.

And you usher joy away,

because you are not ready for it.

Your house is not as it must be,

for such a distinguished guest.

But joy cares nothing for your messy home,

or your bank-balance,

or your waistline, you see.

Joy is supposed to slither through the cracks of your imperfect life,

that’s how joy works.

You cannot invite her, you can only be ready when she appears.

And hug her with meaning,

because in this very moment,

joy chose you.

Donna Ashworth

 With joy, Pastor Andrea