Joy chose you.

I have been reading a lot of posts online about how people are spending more money this year than last Christmas. They are stressed about spending too much , gifts not being appreciated, cutting off all gift giving and going in debt.

Everyone was piling on.
I feel curdled just reading it all.

I am offering you a quieter, simpler thought to go into the second half of December.

And I wish you joy for the holiday season.

“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 it.

Your house is not as it must be for such a distinguished guest.

But joy cares nothing for your messy home,

or your bank balance or your waistline, you see.

Joy is supposed to slither through the cracks of your imperfect life.

That’s how joy works.

You cannot invite her.

You can only be ready when she appears.

And hug her with meaning.

Because in this very moment joy chose you.”

~Donna Ashworth

This beautiful poem can be found in Donna’s book of poetry, Wild Hope. I first heard it enchantingly read by Harry Baker on HarryBakerPoet’s Instagram feed.

Happy Holidays!