Ordinary Joy

Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?

            There were so many joyful ordinary moments this year that picking out one as standing out wouldn’t do justice to the year.  I’ve tried this year to stay focused on the idea in the following quote by Wu-men:

“Ten thousand flowers in spring,

            the moon in autumn,

a cool breeze in summer,

            snow in winter—

If your mind is not clouded

            by unnecessary things,

this is the best season

            of your life.”

I’ve enjoyed watching the birds at the feeder this winter, sitting on the front porch in the evening being surrounded by fireflies or bubbles, watching my kids play videogames together, listening to bird calls, playing ball with Chase, lying in the hammock and looking up at the clouds and trees, sitting down to dinner, working in the garden, feeding the worms, canning tomatoes, listening to Macy purr, kneading bread, and so much more—all ordinary, joyful moments.