How is your joy, God?
Have you laughed long & hard today;
have you taken time to pause with delight?
In your heart, do you overflow with adoration
for the baby elephant playing with birds and
the child protesting gun prevalence?
As you tend the cracked & bleeding feet
of those who are fleeing violence and
those running from themselves,
do you also notice the daffodil
blooming along the path?
Is your mirth as public as
your tears, or have we failed
to give you space & affirmation to do both?
Has rage completely overtaken you
(if not depression), or
do you still enjoy listening to the stars’ song
in the wee hours while painting
the sunrise with a new set of brushes?
Are you still pleased
with the shades of pink you chose for the flamingo,
and do you cheer every spring when the crocus
dares to bloom before the snow is gone?
It makes all the difference
if you are holding onto joy, God.
