In my usual (dis)organised fashion, Thursday evening has rolled around again and I am finally sitting down to write my post for The Prompt. Having had a challenging afternoon with the children I will admit to not feeling particularly joyful. But, something I am learning (slowly) is to see the joy, even when it is heavily obscured by rubbish.
There is joy in the big moments that sparkle and make us gasp; there is joy in the small moments that catch us unawares and make our hearts sing.
The trick is spotting it, seeing past the noise and distractions and feeling it. Allowing it in. Giving it a place and letting it grow. It is there in potential, in possibility, in action. It can surround us, heal us and open us to wonder.
Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and
keep choosing it every day.
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Joy.
A look, filled with possibility,
dreams and potential
becoming fixed and certain
with sudden clarity.
A moment, to share with many
loved and cherished
by the two united
forever starting now.
A long day, blurred with pain,
wonderful and terrifying
in equal measure
ending with a perfect cry.
A milestone, met then exceeded,
pleasure and pride
for first steps, first words
as hearts swell to bursting.
A smile, turning to giggles,
infectious and delightful
as a snow flake lands
lightly on a nose.
A face, lit by laughter,
deep and resounding
reflected in the family
as they gather round a table.
A change, a house becomes quieter
expected and encouraged
knowledge passed, a job done
but never quite completed.
A life, well lived,
embraced and enjoyed
with all its storms and sorrow
and all its wonder.
© Sara Murray, 16 October 2014
You can find this weeks #ThePrompt linky here. I do hope this prompt inspired you; I look forward to reading your posts.
Another beautiful poem Sara, and fab a quote! It’s like the sentiment running through The Dalai Lama’s book ‘The Art of Happiness’ – it’s not a given or a right, we have to work hard and earn it. Loved this prompt xx
Beautiful poem, Sara, sharing so many of the joyful moments in life. I love the quote too – agree that there are times when joy is a choice, something we have to look for in the moment.
I enjoyed the pome and the quote-lovely sentiments to remember and to hold on to x
Gorgeous poem and I think you’re right, joy can be found in huge things and tiny things and expected things and surprising things. I sometimes find at the end of an exhausting, rubbish day a moment flopped on the sofa in front of the fire brings a sudden burst of contented joy. Thanks for another great prompt.xxx
I love your outlook on life and everything in general. What a fantastic poem! You should really think about writing a book of poems. I always love them. Sorry it’s been awhile since I joined in #theprompt my days all seem to be blurring together. Glad to join in today and that you made me look at the joy in life and things at the moment. I really needed it. #theprompt
A feat to see joy sometimes no? But you are right we dont need a massive event to feel joy but we can see it in small things. Uplifitng =)
Oh this is wonderful, I love it Sara!!! This sums up parenthood to me xx
Lovely sentiments Sara! Beautiful poem about the moments of joy in life too X
Beautifully put! The smiles changing to giggles, that is what our children teach us. To look at the joys in the little things in life.
Great poem that encompasses the true nature of joy. Great work, especially after a demanding day with the kids.
The poem is wonderful. There are so many things that can bring us joy, even if we don’t see it in the moment (which can be particularly trying some days!). I think joy is a transient state which requires the other stuff to experience and that we have to grasp at it when it comes our way, even if that is for fleeting moments. x
You know, I love this because joy is a word that I think is underrated and not used often enough because we forget to see joy in the small things too, at times, as life can be so busy! Your poem is beautifully composed and it’s very uplifting, and I think it sums up just how challenging and beautiful parenting can be. Well said xx
This is beautiful I love it! You’re very talented lovely :) xx
That’s a beautiful poem, and so true. We must remember to keep looking for the good things and the joy in the world around us.
Popping over from Brilliant Blog Post.
Lovely poem, very true and beautifully written x Jess x
Lovely post, lovely poem. Thank you for the reminder – it’s so true that we choose our outlook.
A really lovely poem. It had me smiling all the way through! Choosing joy is definitely the way forward. I’ve had periods in my life when I have found that to be impossible, despite there being so many things to be thankful for. They feel like they happened a very long time ago now though, and whilst there are of course days when exhaustion or frustration threaten to take over it is much more empowering to focus on the positive xx
Absolutely beautiful. This literally brought a team to me eye. I love it xxx
Beautiful, so, so touching and so true-you’ve filled me with joy just reading this. Thank you! Thanks too for linking up to #brilliantblogposts
Oh Sara, this is so very beautiful. I love how the words are formed into the stages of life. Brilliantly written. Thank you for linking to Prose for Thought :) x