A Precursor to Joy

May we find joy in the little things….

It has been said before that waiting is a springboard from which we come to realize joy.

This was pointed out in the sermon this past Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, the Season of Anticipation. The more I have thought about it the more I find this to be the case. When I think back on those times when I waited on a thing, desired it, looked forward to receiving a thing, I recall the joy that accompanied its arrival.

I remember out in Taxahaw, every three weeks or so, Aunt Lucille would take James, her son and me into Pageland to get our hair cut at Mr. Weeks’ Barber Shop. Like most young men my age at the time, eight or so, I didn’t care one bit about getting my hair cut. As much as Mr. Weeks worked at making our haircuts a pleasant experience, I for one was an unwilling customer. Our haircuts were a necessity that management (my dear Aunt Lucille) placed upon us for our general wellbeing and upkeep. That is, we were required to maintain a certain standard in keeping with our young age and membership in the Cook family. After a somewhat unfortunate experience getting my first haircut four years before, I disliked the height of the barber’s chair immensely. In fact, I disliked everything about getting a haircut.

So it was with great satisfaction every time I walked OUT of the barber shop with a new haircut This was no exception. I took an immediate right turn out the door and headed for the drug store on the corner and to its comic book stand! Oh, I had just paid a dear price for this awaited visit to the comic Book STAND!! My wait to return there was over, satisfaction was in sight!

Now, would it be possible that there’s a new edition of my very favorite Dell Series featuring Huey, Duey and Luey and their beloved Uncle Scrooge McDuck? Would Uncle Scrooge find the Lost City this time with its vast treasures of gold?

Oh, yes! There it is, tucked behind a 10 cent magazine, what JOY!! I’ve waited a month or longer for this, ooo….whee! My, what simple pleasures for a mere twenty-five cents.

I would like to thank you my readers and to wish you all a meaningful, spirit-filled Christmas as we celebrate again the fact that God sent his son to us so long ago that we may be filled with joy, hope and promise in our lives!