Opening that special package with your name on it,
Picking and eating the first tomato of the season,
Wearing the brand-new dress purchased a week ago,
Talking with a friend you haven’t heard from for a while,
Listening to your cat contentedly purr her heart out,
Seeing newly hatched birds all snug in their nest.
These are some joys of here and now.
Looking into the eyes of your Savior, Jesus Christ,
Dancing on the sea of glass and singing hallelujah,
Your first glimpse of the mansion Jesus made for you,
Eating fruit from the massive and stately Tree of Life,
Joining the choir to sit next to an angel,
Wading in the ever-enlarging River of Life,
These are some joys for tomorrow.
Joy is always near for people with hope,
Joy spreads to others by personal attentions given,
Joy is multiplied in companionship,
Joy grows as faith increases,
Joy is abundant in Jesus Christ,
Joy is the precious gift that keeps us going.
This is the joy of always—may your joy be full!
Picture & Words: Donna Jones