I have always loved C. S. Lewis’ book, Surprised By Joy ever since I came across it some 40 years plus ago.  It was part of my English 110 class and I have yet to read it.  I have it still.  I love the title and I am sure it is about joy.  What better time to talk about joy than at Thanksgiving?

I believe that joy is that zest that we all have.  It is that quest to learn,  to seek the new.  It is that something  that we were all born with.  It is how we learn to talk, to walk, to do all kinds of wondrous things.  Joy is what Sheba has and is, even in her sleep.  She is always full of joyous, endless energy, happy to see people, wagging her tail in greeting.  She is a constant reminder of how we should greet life.

It is something that we all can have, no matter who we are or what circumstances we are in.  Joyous is something we can choose to be.  Sometimes it is not easy.  Sometimes it is damn hard.  At those times, I have to take a run at it.  I focus, breathe, and take a running leap at it.  I remember those field days in school.  Not being a natural athlete, I try to put in extra effort, bow my head, breathe in and out, run like hell and leap into the sandpit.  I don’t think I won any ribbons but….I participated.

Today is one of those cloudy days that doesn’t do too much for my spirit.  Today is one of those days that I have to take a running leap towards joy.  But just now the sun is peeking out, my bread is poofing in the oven and I’m thinking I might aim my camera out the front door to capture some autumn colours.  I might even rake some leaves.  A girl has to do what she has to do.  And I might be surprised by joy.