Night of joy

The community has grown over time which adds to the amount of joy that we share. This month we celebrate two birthdays, just happened that they are both from the same community - Holy Family House. 

We came together to sing the night away, which means that happy birthday song is played on repeat for at least for half an hour. Followed by sing a long, eating snacks, which is mainly fresh fruit and simply laughing the night away.

This is my second birthday celebration that I have joined in here. Last night I sat watching the girls sing and tease each other, the "Sisters" in deep conversation and a few girls looking like their bed was calling there names. I shared that feeling with them at times. While in that moment I could step back and see the joy that was present in the room. What a rich blessing to be surrounded by. 

Quyen singing love songs

While I sat in the moment recalling the parties that I had and also attend, some very lavish affairs while others basic. Mostly with party food to feed the masses, elaborate scavenger hunts for party games. Children dressed up in favourite character, princesses, knights and pirates often, and activities to keep them going, baked chocolate cakes, and always presents. Lots of them. Mostly from generous family members, but also from friends. And the birthday girl/boy is grateful! I was grateful. Played with the toys, thanked friends who spent the afternoon in celebration. Candles  blown out, with all the attention focused on the birthday recipient for that moment - the way it should be. 

Birthday girls - Hanh and Queyn

But, inevitably, tomorrow comes. And the shiny car runs out of batteries or the doll loses her shoe.  The wrapping paper folded or recycled, the evidence of the celebration packed away. There are Newer toys desired, the memory of the party fades and suddenly the writing of thank you notes seems an insurmountable task. Eventually, the gratitude lessons and discontentment begins to creep back into our little hearts. While this is image of children, I still think it refers to birthdays as adults too. 

The gratitude seems to last longer here though. This is human nature, after all having less we tend to appreciate more. But the opposite is true, as well - having more, we naturally appreciate less. 

The joy seems so much sweeter, maybe as I am witnessing it with a new heart, been apart of it with new deep sense of connection, or simply as that is where I stand to embrace joy. 

Joy is one of the greatest blessings, it is a melody of heaven that is placed in our hearts. One could even say its like the Holy Spirits symphony that is played within our spirit, joy the theme song of every person who trusts in the Lord and knows His love. 

I am reminded of this saying I was saw - Human happiness is dependent upon the experiences and circumstances of life, while joy is dependent upon God alone.

So the party is over, the left over cake is awaiting a second helping for those who desire. Yet the memory is alive, it is a foundation to build upon the next step in the journey as we gather to have a community meeting to open the conversation of just that. Its a blessing, I see the Lords hand at play to give a night of joy, a night we all come together to allow our hearts to be renewed, relationships deepened yet mostly for us to give thanks for the endless blessings that are poured upon us and especially the birth of these two special young women. What a joy.