The joy of morning light when the night has been too long The joy of an unexpected promise met with unbelievable laughter The joy of liberation after prolonged, arduous captivity The joy of return despite grief and devastation The joy of wild abandon a body possessed by praise The joy of a mother pondered and stored up in her heart Joy anticipated so suffering could be endured All these and more reveal a depth a lived experience that the inner gladness or calm delight of joy is often hard won, often a choice despite circumstances. Born of hope. Thanks be to You, O God, who willed and prayed for us completeness of joy. Amen
