Last night I was out to dinner with a small group of friends and we were seated at a table on a tier about 3 steps above other tables in the venue. This gave me a birds-eye view of a large party just below us - a group of 16 people ranging in age, I'd guess from mid-twenties to late-sixties. I was often, pleasantly distracted by their camaraderie, smiles all around and lots of laughter. More than several times on person at the table would get up and visit folks at the other end of the table. There were no wrapped gifts in evidence - it seemed to be just one happy extended family out for dinner. In addition to the great company, conversation and geniality at my own table, my evening was enhanced by what I observed at this other table.
As my group was leaving, we passed near the table of these other happy diners and - on a whim - I went over and simply stood there until they became aware of my presence. It only took a moment for them to become quiet and and for me to ask, "Are you a family?" One of the older men in the group smile and said, "Well, we really try to be!" I said, "Well, I've been sitting just over there and I couldn't help but notice what a great time you're all having together - and how much joy there is at this table - and I just wanted to tell you that you brought joy to me, too." I wish I had a video! The whole group smiled, laughed - some cheered! I heard, "We are having a great time!" and "We love each other!" and "Thanks so much for letting us know!" Then the man who first spoke said, "We're not perfect but we can still find the fun in our dysfunction!" I thanked them again and as I turned to leave I heard someone at the table say, "We should raise a toast to our family!"
O Lord, keep my eyes open to joy
when it bubbles up around me,
or drops like rain from the heavens
or blooms like wildflowers off the beaten path
or gathers as a family at the table next to mine...
And Lord, nudge me to move, to act, to speak
on whims of praise for the joy I find
in anyone or anything - at any time!
Let me not be cautious or afraid
to call out joy and raise it up
anywhere and everywhere I go...
Especially in these, our times, Lord,
open me up to joy as it comes
to delight and to heal and to save me...
Amen.
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