Poetry

Embrace the light that exists

/ Joy Lenton / 14 Comments

Pulverising politics. Scary news reports. Media outlashes. Lies and misinformation. Fights and wars. So much darkness exists that it’s no wonder we feel as if we’re saturated in it. 

Yet there is hope. Light spills. It spills freely from the heavens. Light spills from our hearts and lips whenever we stand up for Truth.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” — Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Light spills when we speak out against the darkness and have faith in something else, something that overcomes. Something full of eternal Light, incandescent, dazzlingly bright. 

Someone so full of compassion and love. A sacred Someone who came down to earth to reveal God’s mercy and grace to us: Jesus, our Light-Bringer and Saviour.

“Eternal life is in him, and this life gives light to all mankind. His life is the light that shines through the darkness—and the darkness can never extinguish it.” — John 1:4-5 TLB

Light spills


sun moves
it circles from east to west
morning dawn
seeks out the grey hollows
bathes them in a warm glow

light spills
makes soft hills and valleys
hollow dips
briefly shades these objects 
where shadows fall and eclipse

shade calls
draws attention to shapes
to space
marks interest within
places sun is inhabiting

my eyes
become attracted to light
shine threads
serve to draw us together 
to savour brightness, colour

I'm made
for zest and vibrancy
for light
for reaching beyond this earth
for dreams and hope and love
© joylenton


We are created to be a light for others, our hurt, wounded and lost sisters and brothers, and to help them see beyond the darkness.

We can be a light for others by offering hope, support, understanding, compassion and kindness and showing them mercy, love and forgiveness.

The older we get, the more aware we become of the darkness of this world and the fierce battle that rages between good and evil. 

We can choose to embrace the light and live a radiant life in Christ despite all the darkness there is, because His light and hope still exist and will prevail over our dark circumstances.

“All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” — St. Francis of Assisi

Sensing Magic and Mystery 

/ Joy Lenton / 6 Comments

Christmas is a magical time for children. They approach it with great excitement in their hearts as they open their Advent calendars. With each day’s offering they note how closer they are getting to Christmas Day itself.

Countdown

A countdown is on,
with the daily opening of a door
in the Advent calendar.

Some have their minds fixed
on consuming chocolate
or finding a small gift.

Others watch a scene
unfold, a marvellous story
slowly, slowly gets told.

Perhaps a candle is lit
and left to burn while we
reflect on a word, name or date.

Anticipation builds
in the daily noticing,
receiving, seeing and reading.

December's cold drabness
is lifted by an interest
in things outside ourselves.

Gradually, these small
snapshots of hope, joy, mystery
are unveiled and revealed.

Until we reach the climax,
where the action really begins,
with a birth in Bethlehem.
© joylenton

“Whoever possesses God in their being has Him in a divine manner, and He shines out to them in all things; for them all things taste of God and in all things it is God’s image that they see.” ― Meister Eckhart

As we grow older, we tend to become less proficient in the art of sensing and noticing the magic in our midst, so we often miss the awe and wonder that exists.

It’s more about having gratitude for Presence than receiving presents, more about Nativity than having delicious food to eat. It’s less about what can be bought and more about what needs to be sought. 

Giving gifts is a marvellous thing, and so is receiving them, but we can easily miss the holy point of Christmas when we’re overly concerned with purchasing stuff.

The hectic clamour of the world saturates our senses but it can be answered with the calming peace of God. 

When we seek God’s rest and peace, we awaken anew to the magic and mystery wrapped up in the Christ-child before whom we kneel.

Let’s take a few moments for a prayerful pause and ask for a little stardust to fall on us.

Stardust

Come warm yourself, your chilled bones
by the fire,
near these searing, chosen coals.

I've saved a seat beside me
as we watch
a growing, iridescent glow.

It's the blaze of mystery sparking 
the here and now,
as in-between this moment
and the next, it flows.

Hear it calling us forth to marvel
anew, to be inspired,
and to listen with each breath.

Let us be attentive, focused, still
as millponds,
with unbroken surfaces, like glass.

Let us wait for the fountain to flow
with a freedom
that is just within our grasp.

Let us stay with the silence, the best
approach to take
while we look, listen, and wait.

Then let us rise with stardust embers
shining from our eyes,
with gladdened hearts and minds
filled with a hope we dared to find.
© joylenton

Whatever you might be going through right now, my friend, my prayer for you is this:

May you make room for Jesus within this Christmas season and experience the Joy and Peace only He can bring to our hurting hearts. 

As you contemplate the magic and mystery of the Nativity, may it live on in your soul, strengthen your faith, and encourage you, always.

🎄I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed, Happy New Year! 🎄

With love and deep gratitude for your lovely company here. 

Joy Xx ❤️🎄💜🕊️🌺

Celebrating life’s teachers

/ Joy Lenton / 2 Comments

“Education is not the filling of a pot but the lighting of a fire.” — W.B. Yeats


As my teacher son gears up for the hectic end of the academic term before he can finally rest and relax over the Christmas holiday period, I’m aware of how challenging his role, and that of most teachers, can be.

So it’s good to know that teachers have a designated day where they can be celebrated for their hard work and diligence, the way they impact and influence others. The next one will be on October 5th, 2025, but it’s good to be thankful at any time of the year.

My thoughts have also strayed toward life’s teachers. Several are unexpected or unwelcome sometimes, while others are a joy and delight. The School of Hard Knocks and the University of Life are where we cannot avoid graduating from. However, Tutoring Tower, the Place of Grace and Academy of Blessings are God’s gracious gifts to us.

Through the numerous ways they can come to us in different shapes and sizes, God sends life’s teachers in our direction just when we need them to assist us and teach us His will, wisdom and ways.

My teachers are

my teachers are—

the grass and flowers 
the varied times and tides
the mixed seasons of life
the interwovenness of things
the joys that make my heart sing 

my teachers are—

the sun, moon and stars
the hard grit and grind 
the eternal mind 
the steadfastness of trees
the ways of faith and peace

my teachers are—

the near and far
the world I live in
the dark, thick and thin
the light that ever shines 
the grace that’s yours and mine

my teachers are—

larger by the hour 
as wisdom wears her wings 
both brilliant and singed
and great learning takes place
for all the human race 
© joylenton

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” — Henry B. Adams


Which teachers, whether from life or an educational establishment, are you thankful for?

Are you able to celebrate life’s teachers that might feel like unwelcome irritations right now?

Answers on a postcard, please… 😉 Or you can simply leave a comment below. I’d love to know your thoughts. Xx 💜❤️

life’s little things

/ Joy Lenton / 2 Comments

“Perfect happiness is a beautiful sunset, the giggle of a grandchild, the first snowfall. It’s the little things that make happy moments, not the grand events. Joy comes in sips, not gulps.” — Sharon Draper

Joy can be found in the most ordinary, seemingly insignificant circumstances if we have eyes to notice its presence, and open our minds and hearts to it. 

Life’s little things are not little at all. They’re the warp and weft threaded through our days, even the difficult ones. They support us when big problems hit. 

They’re what matters most because most of our lives are made up of lots of little things we often fail to appreciate when we only notice and chase after the bigger things.


What matters most

it’s the little things:

the early morning rays
falling soft across your face
the cup of coffee you inhale
to help blow the cobwebs away
the first bite of hot buttered toast
it’s the little things that matter most 

it’s the little things:

birdsong’s sweet melodies 
sheets freshly made up clean 
smiles, big hugs and snuggles
with your beloved ones 
making precious memories
your heart will treasure and keep 

it’s the little things:

rainbows and rolling streams
each season’s new offerings
celebration, laughter, and songs
you’ll enjoy and sing all life long 
nature’s sacred calm and peace
blessings of hope and sweet relief 

it’s the little things:

far too numerous to count
far too important to miss out
they are life’s vital heartbeat
like having good rest and sleep 
it’s the little things that matter most 
to the young, middle aged, and old
© joylenton


Life’s little things are the icing on the cake. The sparkle of champagne that tingles and lingers on the tongue. The warm glow of kindness, friendship and love.

Little things are manifold blessings being manifested. The evidence of God’s presence, His goodness and grace in our everyday lives.

When life’s not-so-good little things arise: the setbacks, problems and difficulties that cause us stress and anxiety, it helps to focus more on life’s small, uplifting pleasures and joys.

 “Delight in the little things.” — Rudyard Kipling

Interplay: noticing the marvellous in the mundane

/ Joy Lenton / 23 Comments

I’m not always good at sacred noticing, though I’ve written a book about it and a plethora of poetry. 😉 Because I’m hampered by illness induced brain fog and fatigue. But when my mind suddenly freeze-frames a scene, I know to pay attention to it.

As I stumbled out of bed recently, an ordinary sight took on an extraordinary intensity. I’d hoped to have more sleep but the words in my head wouldn’t let me. I began to memorise them as they shaped themselves into the poem below.

Interplay 

it’s  early morning
slats of the blinds blink
with morse code-like messages

an interplay of light and dark
as the trees sway
as light-dappled leaves dance

while the wind embraces
their roughened barks
their weathered trunks

and I watch, entranced 
even in my half-awake
sleep-addled state

because I don’t want to miss
a thing, I simply long 
to notice it all

as sunlight sends her secrets 
of life, of light, of joy, of love
into my waiting heart 
© joylenton

When the mundane becomes meaningful to us, it can act like a holy whisper, a call to pay attention, a gentle nudge to observe and receive the messages it wants to share.

God speaks to us in numerous ways, frequently through nature, through our environment, through our daily grind. And when we watch and listen well, He gifts us with sacred awareness and awe.

NOTE: Observant readers might notice that this is my first post here for over a year (a year!!) and may wonder why I’ve been absent here. It’s partly due to the Muse being a less frequent visitor than before, but mostly because of increasing health issues taking prominence. As they are ongoing, I will probably still post infrequently here, though I often share small snippets on my Facebook page or timeline. You’re welcome to find me there… Xx 😊💜❤️

seeing: viewing nature soothes our souls

/ Joy Lenton / 9 Comments 

Act of seeing 

Today I sat
communing with nature,
cup of tea in hand,
a book in my lap,
noticing the scenic backdrop 
like a beauty curator.

I caught sight
of a bright brimstone butterfly
that danced across my eyes 
with nimble precision,
as she filled my heart 
with unexpected delight. 

I was surprised 
by two small, black-dotted,
cabbage white butterflies 
which fluttered like tiny flags, 
swiftly following one another 
to the scented, brightly coloured plants. 

Today I watched,
entranced by the papillons,
while I failed to capture 
their flight with a camera’s
eye, but held them, instead,
with deep gratitude—in my sight. 
© joylenton


Here’s an interesting article about the potential spiritual symbolism of yellow butterflies: https://www.spiritualposts.com/yellow-butterfly-spiritual-meanings/

Want to enhance your sacred noticing opportunities? This book will help encourage you in that quest. Just click here or on the image below to find out more. 🌺🦋🌸💜🌼🦋

glimpse: hope rises when light infiltrates our lives

/ Joy Lenton / 10 Comments

“It’s always sunny above the clouds. Always. Every day on earth – every day I have ever had – was secretly sunny, after all.” — Caitlin Moran

Just a glimpse

Storms have moved on
at last, leaving behind 
a waft of wind
gently tickling the earth.

Rain dominates
in glass-splattered splashes,
bead-laden leaves,
saturated grass patches.

Striated clouds 
interleave with denser
drifts of shadowed
dark stratocumulus.

Yet there are gaps 
ever-widening skeins
of bright blueness 
where the thready strands part.

And I ponder
at the way my heart lifts
with just a glimpse 
of sunlight, of wonder.

It is enough
to help instigate hope,
relieve sadness,
and stimulate my soul.
© joylenton

“I’ve found that there is always some beauty left – in Nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself; these can all help you.” — Anne Frank

offering: bringing all you are into the light

/ Joy Lenton / 8 Comments

“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” — Maya Angelou

Offering 

I bring my weeds and wheat,
my thorns and tares, 
every discordant, jarring 
part of me I share
and deposit at your feet.

I bring myself—
a soul unravelled,
not a neatly tied
up package of a person
brought fully under 
control, but an untidy 

messed-up self, with
threadbare, ribbon-like spools.
I bring my pain, my joys 
and sorrows, the tears I 
hide inside and those 

I can release and cry.
I bring my masks
and scars, my shadow 
side that’s in great need
of holy redeeming light. 

I bring an open heart 
that’s still wary
of opening up
but wants more than anything 
to be able to love

others better, and accept
the love you freely give
to me, the hope of seeing 
change, and the grace 
to live my life differently.
© joylenton


“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” — Kahlil Gibran

space: creating room for our souls to breathe

/ Joy Lenton / 6 Comments

Moving house 2 years ago meant a great deal of necessary sorting, sifting and discarding took place. We are slowly still going through our belongings, seeking to pare back to those things which fit where we are now and how we live. I’m attempting to adopt a “buy less/buy better” policy with my clothes as well.

Letting go and surrendering is tough. We get attached to stuff, and can struggle with the changes and upheaval required before we can reach a place of acceptance and calm.

Making space

Today they’ve mown down 
the cow parsley,
trampled the brown-crisped
remnants of Queen Anne’s Lace

to let the grass breathe,
to create a new space 
where blackbirds can 
stop and sit and congregate 

and hop in the shade
of the apple tree,
and sift the powdery 
dregs for edible seeds,

dip their beaks
into dried-out, sun-baked ground
with patient perseverance,
with hope and faith.

And as I watch them eat,
I think about the husks 
I bear inside, 
dried-out shells of places 

way past all watering 
because they’re wilted, limp,
dying, slain 
like shredded lace, no longer 

fit for purpose—
if I could only learn 
to relinquish, surrender 
them bit by bit

to the One who waits, and wants 
to create something new, 
something better 
in their desiccated place.
© joylenton


It’s also really hard to let go of old mindsets, habits and thoughts, isn’t it? Yet we’re encouraged to notice what doesn’t fit who we are as children of God, and to seek the Holy Spirit’s help in weeding them out to give our souls room to breathe and be at peace.

If there’s no clearing out, we’re in danger of getting stuck in the ruts of past behaviour and negative thinking. The key to overcoming the pang of loss is to fill the gap with positive ways to live, think, and behave that enrich our lives, rather than diminishing it.

Beauty and strength come from surrender. It might sound counterintuitive but it’s healthy for our souls. In the act of surrendering to God, we give Him carte blanche to help us become the very best version of ourselves.

lift: how life’s small mercies encourage our hearts

/ Joy Lenton / 3 Comments

It’s the smallest things of life that can make or break our days. **Mini mercies and moments of grace.** An unexpected visit, call, text, email or snail mail, perhaps. A bouquet of flowers. A delicious meal we eat. A friend to greet. A great book to read. A new place to see.

A cup of aromatic coffee or a pot of tea to savour. Photos of our family to take and share. A loved one to hug and hold. Music and sounds which delight or give us pause for thought. And the pleasure of enjoying nature’s abundance outdoors.


Having M.E and chronic illness has taught me not to despise the tiny, mundane things of life. When I yield to my body’s need to rest and pause, I often get a soul lift when I slow down.

God’s presence seems closer. Prayer arises spontaneously. Creative ideas begin to emerge. Life’s small mercies bless me enormously.

Birdsong reaches to the depths of my soul because each throaty call is a reminder to stay in joy, to live this life by keeping the flame of hope alive.

It doesn’t take much to sense a heavenly touch. Life’s little things become magnified as we pay greater attention to them. 

Lifted

I attempt to dust my bedroom,
just the easier parts I can 
reach, of course, but it leaves 
me exhausted, so I acquiesce,
rest on the bed. And I hear—
a susurration of traffic 

sounds, a background hum
interrupted by an intermittent 
trill of bright birdsong—
sharp, sweet, soft, solo, duet,
each one knowing their place 
in the divine orchestra.

It’s a river rolling through
my head, leaping like salmon
into my thoughts. I am stirred,
calmed, inspired, touched
to the core by the beauty
of it all. Such a simple

activity that rarely ceases
during summer or spring,
but it has the power
to lift our lives higher,
to add meaning to everything.
© joylenton

“A birdsong can even, for a moment, make the whole world into a sky within us, because we feel that the bird does not distinguish between its heart and the world’s.” — Rainer Maria Rilke

If you’d like to hear what some common British birds sound like when they’re singing, this little video will give you a clue. I learnt a few things from it, too!

Are you in a season of needing to slow? Seeking to recover a measure of strength, energy and health after a setback, perhaps? I would love to hear what helps lift and encourage your soul. Feel free to share below. Unsure what M.E is or how it affects people? This article will help. 😉❤️💜 Xx