Third Sunday of Advent 2024

Joy does not arrive with a fanfare

on a red carpet strewn

with the flowers of a perfect life.

joy sneaks in as you pour a cup of coffee

watching the sun

hit your favorite tree

just right

and you usher joy away 

because you are not ready for her

your house is not as it should be

for such a distinguished guest

but joy, you see

cares nothing for your messy home 

or your bank balance

or your waistline

joy is supposed to slither through

the cracks of your imperfect life

that's how joy works

you cannot truly invite her

you can only be ready

when she appears

and hug her with meaning

because in this very moment

joy chose you.

Joy Chose You

-- Donna Ashworth