Lean into Joy

I long to lean into joy

To practice gratitude

Taking note of blessings

And dwelling on thanksgiving

To become a glass

Not as now, half empty

And not even half full

Instead, spilling over the rim

To walk away from dread

To run from the shoe drop

Living in the joy of each moment

Where simple things become defining

To truly feel adequate

Knowing that I am enough

The illusion of perfection a destroyer

Seeing myself through Christ’s eyes

Cast far away the falsehoods

Being vulnerable and real

Accepting my quirks and uniqueness

And loving others for the same

So when the little joys of life

Spring up before my eyes

May I vanquish the stormy thoughts

Seeking to steal away these precious gifts

And when a heart of gratitude takes over

Then thanksgiving will begin to flower

Fearful heart will gain new strength

And the enemy’s lies will fall on deaf ears

So God please hear this fervent prayer

And grant this heartfelt wish

That I might become a man of gratitude

With thanksgiving in all that comes my way