There have been times that I have isolated myself from friends and family because things are just too hard.
There have been times when I have been a negative, vicious, screaming mess toward my family.
There have been times I have just wanted to lie around and do nothing.
But there are times that the joy creeps in. Joy seems to have a way of doing that. It starts out as a tiny ball of light seeping through a crack until it gets bigger and wider and more brilliant than you can imagine.
It is the smile on the face of a nine-year-old who has just won his grade level geography bee.
It is the laughter of an eight-year-old who is at the movies with his friends.
It is the excitement of a kindergartner who has just learned to spell a word.
It is in the tight hug of toddler who has his arms wrapped around your neck.
And it is in the voice tone of a husband who finally got some time alone with his wife.
Even in a family like mine who is grieving and feuding with each other on what seems like a daily basis, we have our moments of joy.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdVvnjts8ps6RN9BIDhMOT0tU2gGILdJeXaZoZj5k6-7vx-KpPUiWLV6OjBXhEO2091fZM3FgNqARMAMHRcUr8bXJAWFC_RQxchce5tT2qmVq_9S2Xu_edJ_ua3yg4iSs5OAfHi2Durkf/s320/joyquote.png)
In the midst of all the craziness of life, what brings you joy?