This poem is very old, I found the book years ago after my mother died and it has a copyright date of 1941.
Today
Today, whatever may annoy,
The word for me is Joy, just simple joy:
The joy of life;
The joy of children and of wife;
The joy of bright blue skies;
The joy of rain; the glad surprise
Of twinkling stars that shine at night ;
The joy of winged things upon their flight ;
The joy of noonday, and the tired
True joyousness of eventide;
The joy of labor, and of mirth;
The joy of air, and sea, and earth–
The countless joys that ever flow from Him
Whose vast beneficence doth dim
The lustrous light of day,
And lavish gifts divine upon our way.
. What’re there be of Sorrow
. I’ll put off till Tomorrow,
And when Tomorrow comes, why then
‘Twill be Today and Joy again!
John Kendrick Brown
I always try to find JOY in my life. Yes, sometimes it is very hard to do.
This poem helps me in those hard times to bring my JOY back.
Blessings to you,
Evie M.
Image by Evie M.
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For me this sheltering in place has brought new surprises on my daily walks. This bird ? Osprey? Was on my neighbor’s front lawn as I walked by! He stayed for a while and then took off – an unexpected gift to be sure. Just one of the many I have experienced these past weeks. I felt just like my granddaughter in the second photo – awe and wonder!
Photos and reflection by Bonnie L.
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This view from my backyard, with the morning dew….grace. Just a few minutes earlier, I looked out my window onto this scene. A small deer had nestled itself in a pile of strewn pine straw. He was sitting, peaceful. We watched each other a long while, and again, after he got up and sauntered to the back near the water, he turned and made eye contact. We were spellbound together for several minutes, connected, welcoming and welcomed, no masks, no fear. And no urge to get the camera so you’ll just have to take my word for that visitation.
Photo and reflection by Amy W.
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We are thankful, this morning we went to the Waccamaw River and while sitting on that little bench we talked….at that same moment people were killed…children were suffering, be it from war or hunger, people were dying from the Virus, families were grieving, the first responders not giving up and suffering along the way …..and we were the blessed ones just sitting there and enjoying the wonder of the water, a boat passing by, the wind in the trees and the birds singing. Later at home we were enjoying the flowers and trees in our own garden, the fig tree growing like a weed and bearing good size fruits already….the jasmine, the honey suckle….yes we are blessed.
Photos and reflection by Jacob and Mieke K.
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Earth Your Dancing Place
Beneath heaven’s vault
remember always walking
through halls of cloud
down aisles of sunlight
or through high hedges
of the green rain
walk in the world
highheeled with swirl of cape
hand at the swordhilt
of your pride
Keep a tall throat
Remain aghast at life
Enter each day
as upon a stage
lighted and waiting
for your step
Crave upward as flame
have keenness in the nostril
Give your eyes
to agony or rapture
Train your hands
as birds to be
brooding or nimble
Move your body
as the horses
sweeping on slender hooves
over crag and prairie
with fleeing manes
and aloofness of their limbs
Take earth for your own large room
and the floor of the earth
carpeted with sunlight
and hung round with silver wind
for your dancing place. -May Swenson
Poem chosen by Amy W.
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I am walking on the beach and enjoying the light and air. One of my favorite times is early in the morning, but I have discovered that another quiet time is early evening when everyone leaves for dinner. A good time for reflecting on the day and looking forward to tomorrow.
Photo and reflection by Nancy B.
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During this time, when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us each find ways to be the loving embrace of humanity to our neighbors.
Be aware. Be accepting. Be supportive. Be kind. (Anonymous)
Reaching out to others has been very important during this time of separation. Yesterday someone suggested leaving a card of appreciation in my mailbox for the continued service of daily deliveries. Today that will be my small act of kindness.
Photo and reflection by Denise P.
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Sunrise, sunset, and all the wonder and joy in between…
I have always loved sunrises, sunsets, and cloud filled skies. Each and every one is unique and wondrous! I stand in awe and gratitude! I have to admit that I do see many more sunsets than sunrises… This morning I was at the beach for sunrise and a beautiful dog kept running up and down the beach chasing the birds. He was soooo joyous! He really made me smile. In the one photo I took of him he was actually flying through the air! Yes, wonder and joy and gratitude!
Photos and reflection by Nancy L.
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