The Wisdom of Advent – Learning to Wait
Week 3: Joy.
Joy and gratitude are inherently linked. Karl Barth (a Swiss theologian) once said, “Joy is really the simplest form of gratitude.” When we recognize our blessings and feel grateful, it inevitably leads to a feeling of joy. And when we feel joy, we can’t help but be thankful for whatever prompted that joy.
Although we may be in a season of waiting, there is likely something in this Advent season of preparation for the birth of Christ that can bring us joy if we’re attentive. And it’s likely not going to be found in the proclamations of Christmas shopping bargains filling up your email or shouting at you from social media. It could be a moment of solitary quiet with a hot cup of tea on a cold day. Or the first snowfall (before we’re sick of dealing with the stuff and the inconvenience of it all). Or a chance to reconnect with someone you rarely see. Or an unexpected card arriving in the mail.
- Is there a simple joy you can find this Advent?
Falling Up After 50 
My simple joy today: Having coffee in the early morning quiet & darkness, thanking God for my friendship of almost 50 years with a wise, patient, and kind woman who took the time (painstakingly) to share her thoughts and wisdom daily during Advent. Weekly phone calls with her feed my soul. I adore her. I admire her. I respect her. I miss her. I love her.
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One good thing about getting older is that I can better see the simple joys in my life. And our friendship surely counts as one of these!
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I am trusting in the slow work of God. This way of thinking brings me joy, the thankfulness of the healing of a broken bone. Thanks Cathy!
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There’s a lot of grace involved in being able to find some joy during the healing of a broken bone! God is indeed with you.
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