In the movie "The Secret Life of Bees," there is a great scene that is a window to joy. It's a hot, sultry day in South Carolina. On this day, in the life of three sisters who live together in a house painted the color of pepto bismol, one of the sisters is in the house playing the cello, mournfully. Another is sitting on the porch eating lunch with their 14 year old guest, Lily, when the sound of squealing is heard....the kind of squealing you might hear on a schoolyard playground at recess time. It's two grown women, running through the water sprinkler, barefoot and fully clothed. As Lilly and her companion approach, they pick up the sprinkler and aim it at them - splat. Pretty soon all of them are drenched and they begin to dance in the cool spray. Then the sound of the porch door is heard - bang - and out comes the cello-playing sister, with her dander up. Lilly aims the sprinkler at her and she yanks it out of the young girl's hands and turns it back on her. Back and forth the two wrestle for it, soaking each other until anger softens and laughing begins. They sprawl on the grass in convulsions of laughter until tears flow.
Can you remember a time when you laughed so hard that you began to cry? Where were you? What were you doing? Who else was there? What emotions did your laughter and tears release?
Already, it is time to light the third Advent candle. The first candle is the candle of hope. The second is the candle of comfort. The third is the candle of joy.
Today, why not offer a prayer and ask God to open a window to joy, for you.?! Seek God's support to practice laughter today. Jump for joy. Ask God to bring to your imagination, someone to whom you could offer a gift that would bring joy. If you are at a loss for words, try using Mary's song of joy, found in Luke 1:47-55. Let your spirit rejoice!
Advent Blessings,
Cheryl
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