When joy is thin on the ground we search for ways to ignite it again. The means may vary, but the aim is to recover some semblance of contentment, a small spark of joy whereby we feel more alive and engaged.
I derive a great deal of pleasure from creation’s beauty, the way it leaves its signature scent on each day. The hard part is to develop awareness, to deliberately turn my eyes toward the window, step outside a while and simply breathe a bit of fresh air, marvel at the changing seasons, take some photos.
Being housebound needn’t limit appreciation of the world outside my window. If anything, it intensifies it. Clouds are a constant source of delight when I remember to watch them. Sometimes all it takes is a simple lifting of eyes and heart heavenwards, a reaching out to God in gratitude for all He is and all He has given us.
It is said that those who develop an attitude of gratitude are among the happiest people in the world, because thankfulness sparks deeper contentment and joy. Making space to record God’s goodness toward us sets us on a reflective path which leads to pleasure, whereby we focus more on fullness instead of perceived lack.
I’ve recently decided to journal again after neglecting to do so for a few months. Now I regularly use an app to write a few words of poetry and add a photo or two, sometimes write out first/last free-writing thoughts in a simple spiral notebook, as well as keeping a prayer journal where whispers from the Lord sit beside notes on Bible verses or from books that are speaking to me.
However we plan or prepare, whatever gratitude notes or journaling method we use, it can be a great means of reconnecting to the creative self within, as well as making us more aware of God’s footprints in our day. And once we actively seek out God’s presence, He begins to ignite faith, hope and joy again, reviving weary souls with renewed strength.
Igniting joy
A thick blanket of darkness covers
us, smothering hope and joy within,
dampening our dreams, pouring
cold watery streams on the fire
of desire and imagination
Then we take our small faltering
candlewick, hold out our brief spark
like a trembling flag of faith from
quaking, fearful hearts. And we watch
mesmerised as it ignites a fiercer
Light, burning companionably
beside ours, its fulsome flame
strong enough to consume each part
of dark; every inky cloud covering,
every dim place – now blazes bright again
©JoyLenton2016
“The Light shines in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it]” ~ John 1:5 AMP
Welcome to #day6 of 31 days of journeying into joy.
I hope and pray these daily posts are a fresh infusion of joy and a blessing to you.
The post for #day5 can be found on wordsofjoy.me as I am sharing a few there. Just click here to read it. Thank you! 🙂
Poetry Joy 
Joy, I love this thought: “And once we actively seek out God’s presence, He begins to ignite faith, hope and joy again, reviving weary souls with renewed strength.” especially when paired with the Scripture from John 1. Such a beautiful truth to cling to, that the LIGHT of His presence cannot be overcome by the dark, and it is that LIGHT which stirs up our joy again. Even when our “trembling flag of faith” seems so small! Thank you for continuing to bring us along with you on this journey to joy! xoxo
Bettie, it gives us hope when things seem hopeless and light enough to warm our hearts. We may be small, weak and fragile but we have a mighty God! His strength is made manifest in our weakness. May you experience these things during your days of prayerful listening. Bless you, dear friend, for being here. xo ❤
Joy, thank you for this, the 6th gift in your series. I am struck by your photo: yesterday’s wick debris in today’s pooling wax—a truthful record (not prettied up for the lens), a raw reminder that Light visits us, again and again (tomorrow and tomorrow!), despite our fragmentation, our fragile wicks.
“Faltering . . . trembling . . . quaking . . . and then, igniting!” Your verbs say so much. This morning I read these lines (below) from a fellow poet, which seem to connect to yours:
“I keep forgetting each
righteous fact began as a trembling one.”
— Adam Clay, from Stranger
Hi Laurie. I love the way you enhance my poetic offerings with your insightful way of seeing! And I so appreciate this: “a raw reminder that Light visits us, again and again (tomorrow and tomorrow!), despite our fragmentation, our fragile wicks.” Oh yes, lots to ponder there… Your presence is always warmly welcome and your comments are a beautiful gift to me. Thank you for sharing the lines from Adam Clay – a profound concept tucked up in such deceptively simple words. He sounds like a poet I need to become acquainted with! Bless you, friend. xo
Reblogged this on Michael Moore's Blog and commented:
Beautiful, Joy…
Thank you, sweet friend! Your kindness is greatly appreciated, Michael. Bless you! 🙂
“And once we actively seek out God’s presence, He begins to ignite faith, hope and joy again, reviving weary souls with renewed strength.” Beautiful, Joy. I’m loving your seeking joy series. 🙂 Blessings and hugs!
Trudy, thank you for troubling to leave a comment despite so many getting lost for you. I appreciate your sweet words, my friend. I took a look in my spam folder and found you there! Hopefully all will be well here now, though you’ve always been more than ‘approved’ in my eyes! So glad this series is a blessing to you. Hugs! xo ❤
THIS: “When joy is thin on the ground we search for ways to ignite it again. The means may vary, but the aim is to recover some semblance of contentment, a small spark of joy whereby we feel more alive and engaged.” Such a word smith you are!
Thanks, Tara! I’m always amazed at the way God fires and inspires our creativity. He not only shapes the words I write, He also provides the needful spark of energy and desire. So blessed to have you here, my friend! 💜