The Joy Challenge: Monday 31st March 2014

A harder day to be joyful today. The post holiday, post space, time, rest blues. But I must learn to live beyond my circumstance. Above the rankling of emotions and silly self-pity. Today's rejoicing is truly a joy challenge but it is one modelled after the author and pioneer of our faith who knew with certainty the joy before him, lest he be caught up in the trouble around him. Hebrews 12:2. And in comparison how very little trouble I have to complain of! And so, when joy is weak and cumbersome and seemingly slow to be found, rejoice in the little, in the tangible, in that which we take for granted. In the taste of butter melting into just-popped toast, in a deep, dark sky scattered with stars, in laughing at the way that laughter transforms someone else's face, in people noticing that you were away and wanting to ask how you are, in comfy sofas and comfy company, in knowing that a warm bed awaits. Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances. No excuses. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.