Joyful Joyful

This old hymn is on my mind...and while you wait to scroll down and refresh yourself I have to tell a short little story.  The first five words, "Joyful, joyful we adore thee" could apply to our love of our son Luke.    He is a very joyfilled little man and we do adore him, and as parents we can in some small way relate to how much we adore God, and as children of God we are able to adore Him back.  

Each day we should be as children - finding something to explore, something to be in awe of, something that makes us laugh and something that makes us feel busy, dirty and tired.  We also can try to, as children do, laugh freely, love without reserve and forgive with a hug or high five. 

 I think about that alot, especially after we've frustrated each other and moments later I'm being given a yellow flower, a hug or a "Mama you are so pretty"...and we both know we are okay with what is done, and we are looking forward to whatever adventures lay ahead.  We look ahead with trust, with love and with a kind of peace that only comes when we truly know what it is to love joyfully but also to accept joyful love. 

 I do love the Hand that Created our world, and that same Hand gave me the miracle of our son and the miracle of his father and I's love.  There is so much in the world that is lovely and wonderful that gets missed in our quest to be busy and get things done.  

As we look forward to another week, I pray that we look for the beauty around us and for a tranquil spirit to apprecate it and of course an open heart to see and feel the love of God all around us.  May you be brightly bless, always and in all ways!

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blessed,
Wellspring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother, all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward in the triumph song of life.