Scripture ~ You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
Spiritual Focus ~ “Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.” Hoda Kotb*, American broadcast journalist and author
Breath Prayer ~ Inhale fullness, exhale joy
Devotion ~ This past year has continued to challenge us as we try to find work-life balance, maintain energy, and preserve our well-being. To go beyond the daily grind with any expectation of finding joy in all circumstances requires intention and an awareness of God’s presence. The psalmist of our scripture knew of hardship, and yet sang of the fullness of joy in God’s presence. The Greek words for fullness and delight translate to “complete inner gladness.” An experience of God’s presence fills our inner sanctuary with joy. So how does one experience this presence and find joy in simple things? In her book, I Really Needed this Today, Hoda Kotb encourages us to see God’s anonymous hand in what we might otherwise consider a coincidence. Another way to find joy in simple things is to notice the “God winks” in our everyday lives.
This past Christmas was my family’s first time without the dearly beloved matriarch and patriarch of our family. I wondered how this sense of loss might affect us, a sense of loss many people have experienced during the pandemic. In some ways, challenging circumstances open one’s eyes to previously unnoticed joy. Pets are often wonderful sources of simple joy (especially when they join our Zoom classes)! As the family gathered outside, I had the simple joy of sitting in a fishing shack, watching my family play hockey while cuddling a new puppy, a French bulldog named Archie. As I gave up my post to another to join the family games, I noticed Archie’s “teenage sister” Marla, a golden doodle, chasing leaves with simple, unadulterated joy. Then on top of a hill, almost as if she was inherently inspired, Marla took a perfect downward facing dog position and slid down the hill to the hoots and hollers of all of us watching. This simple moment of pure delight—a “God wink”—reminded us that life goes on. That we only need to pause to profoundly experience the simple joys around us. May you experience a joy-filled New Year!
*Hoda Kotb is pronounced HO-da KOT-bee.
