I am waiting for today’s revelation in this department. I woke with lots of pain – not unusual after a day of running errands and sitting in the bleachers at a football game to enjoy my granddaughter’s marching band performance. She is a senior, so time is running short on that! Woke to lovely sunshine and cool temps. I will go out for some walking and the day will unfold from there.

This question recalled for me the book “Surprised by Joy,” written by C.S. Lewis. It fell into my hands early in my “adult faith journey”. It was a life-changing/informing read for me at the time on a lot of levels, and I’ve read it a few times since. I’d say that now joy is always a surprise to me, in the rare and always spontaneous occasion that I experience it.

Putting on my shoes, hat and sunglasses, and getting out for a morning walk. Deciding to walk out the door changes the whole day. And a million other ways …

The heartbeat of the Universe.

I tend to feel more optimistic in the morning toward what the day may bring, or what I could bring to the day. It doesn’t happen every day, but since I have my share of bad or disappointing days, it is a gift to know that each day I can start fresh.

With people I don’t know – their uniqueness, the place of meeting which is often coincidental, and their faces. With loved ones – joy.

They saw me. They see me. I fly easily under the radar and always have. But something different happens when someone sees you – as if you are really real, unique, and you matter. Something I try to remember as I move about my days.

Wow, Kevin. So beautiful. You are all such a blessing to one another. Happy Father’s Day!

Joyful, spontaneous, courageous and honest with myself.

My heart is with you in these days, Aine.

I am also grateful for that freedom in retirement, Kevin. Openness to the day’s offerings are a great gift, along with really attending to what my body and psyche can manage in a particular day. It is quite freeing.

Kevin, looks like your answering post didn’t reappear yesterday. I am going to send you the email address via your website, by signing up for newsletter content. Will that work, to also send the info on Quaker resources? You will know it is mine as the name ends with 22.

Thank you, Kevin!

Kevin, I have wanted to ask this for a while, though the Q may not belong here. Is it possible to take on Quaker practices without a community? And is there any reading you could recommend? It is a long way from where I live to the nearest community. Thank you.

Me too, dear Ursula. I have walked a similar path, many years ago.

Angel, you have walked a most difficult and traumatic road with your eating disorder. I have known others who have suffered as you have. I bow before you in deep respect for your quest for and journey to healing. Namaste.

Blessings on you and the surgeon tomorrow in your procedure, Ursula. May all be well. I’ll be praying.

It is really good to hear from you, Alicia. Nature can be so healing on a lot of levels, and it sounds like a good place and way for you and your husband to just be together. This has been a long journey for you both. Many blessings.

Brave steps, Ose, and never easy.

Welcome back, Debbie! I, too, have been thinking of you.