"For the struggling Christian it may seem that joy is at the bottom of a well. It is never obtrusive, but there it waits, cool and clear, promising to refresh.

We have to practice our faith, to send down the bucket on a reliable rope of faith . . . and draw up joy hand-over-hand."

– Karen Andreola

I've been smiling over this excerpt since my morning reading today.  We sometimes bemoan the lack of water when we aren't doing our part to carry the bucket.  

Little joys here:

vintage sheets

French vanilla coffee

morning time journaling

beautifully crafted headbands from gifted friends

care packages from afar

daughters who bring home dessert

texts from my daughter-in-law

letters from old friends

long naps

gathering supplies for new projects

All this rushed in together with some challenges and some very discouraging news.  There was a choice about where to let the focus rest. I am choosing joy.

 I hope you are drawing up hand-over-hand this weekend and I would love to hear what is making you smile right now.