For Joy
How do we find joy in the face of crushing loss…or even the minor mishaps of daily living? Perhaps the secret is to ask G-d for help. Or, perhaps, in spite of our losses, we make the nearly impossible effort to set aside our troubles anyway, to listen for the beauty that surrounds us and then by attempting to be of service to others. To listen along as you read, click on the triangle in the bar below. The text follows.
For Joy
Listen with your eyes
And hear with your heart:
In every grief, there is blessing…
In every joy, there is hope…
In every love, thanksgiving…
In every thought, wisdom…
In every breath, renewal…
In every moment, a choice,
To stay bent in sorrow,
Or to lift ourselves in songs of praise
To G-d Most High.
To dance with Miriam.
To dream with Jacob.
To laugh with Sarah.
To greet angels with Abraham.
To argue with heaven on behalf of earth.
G-d of the seen and unseen,
Creator of light and darkness
Author of justice and mercy,
Give us the courage and strength to choose a life of service,
Guided by Your loving hand.
A life of song and dance,
Gentleness and peace,
Honor and grace,
Kindness and understanding.
Blessed are You, Adonai our G-d, You love joy and service.
© 2010 Alden Solovy and http://www.tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.
Postscript: Here’s a related prayer called “Let Joy.”
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Photo Credit: Bigmouthery
the openness of your heart overwhelms me. i don’t know what else to say.