December 20: Joy in Unexpected Places...

 

"Sometimes the most unexpected moments are the most joyful."

Dear Readers,

Ivanka was exhausted. The past week had been a blur of deadlines, meetings, and the pressure of holiday shopping. She had planned to relax with a good book, but life had other plans.

Her car broke down halfway to the grocery store, and she had to wait for a tow truck. As she sat on the curb, her shoulders slumped with frustration. But then, something unexpected happened.

An elderly man walked past her, his cane tapping the sidewalk with a rhythmic sound. He paused, smiled at her, and asked, “Need some help?”

Ivanka shook her head, not wanting to burden anyone. But the man sat down beside her and struck up a conversation. They spoke about everything from childhood memories to the weather, and for the first time in days, Ivanka felt her stress melt away.

The tow truck arrived, but she found herself smiling, even laughing, with the man as she waited. She realized that joy had found her in the most unexpected of places in a brief conversation with a stranger who had reminded her of the beauty in human connection.

Jacob M

Dec 20: Joy in Unexpected Places

Poem:

Joy hides in corners, small and shy, 

In moments when we least expect to try. 

It’s in a glance, a fleeting glance, 

A twinkle, a chance, a second chance. 

Look closely, find it in the unknown, 

In surprises that make us feel at home. 

For joy is waiting, soft and bright, 

In places we seldom see, in every sight.

Jacob M

Prayer:

Lord,

Guide us to find joy in unexpected places.

Open our hearts to surprises and blessings we may overlook,

and help us appreciate each moment.

Amen.

Jacob M