how our small candlewick faith becomes a flame

When joy is thin on the ground we search for ways to ignite it again. The means may vary, but the aim is to recover some semblance of contentment, a small spark of joy whereby we feel more alive and engaged.

I derive a great deal of pleasure from creation’s beauty, the way it leaves its signature scent on each day. The hard part is to develop awareness, to deliberately turn my eyes toward the window, step outside a while and simply breathe a bit of fresh air, marvel at the changing seasons, take some photos.

Being housebound needn’t limit appreciation of the world outside my window. If anything, it intensifies it. Clouds are a constant source of delight when I remember to watch them. Sometimes all it takes is a simple lifting of eyes and heart heavenwards, a reaching out to God in gratitude for all He is and all…