Publisher’s Points to Ponder: Joy

As I sit here to write my final Publisher’s Points to Ponder for the year, I am overwhelmed with conflicting feelings of sadness and happiness. Though there were many sad moments throughout the year, I have learned how to be joyful during those difficult times.

Joy means laughing in the rain. As I have said many times, laughter has healing properties—it is God’s gentle kiss; it is the sun beaming through a forest of trees. I prayed and laughed my way through this past year. What a year! And what a blessing it is for us to remain standing at the end of a tumultuous experience. We made it through everything—Coronavirus, pro tests, the loss of loved ones, political rallies, and an insane election with the most prolonged vote-counting period in history. We are still here.

Although I am discouraged about our community’s losses, I am optimistic about the 2021 new year. My prayer is for everyone to reflect on the past, but do not let the past weigh you down. You should strive to leap forward to embrace the blessings that await you in 2021. Every loss that we have suffered brings us closer to God’s caress. That alone is a blessing! May God’s light fill your being so that you are a blessing to everyone you encounter in 2021. Happy New Year!