Pink

When my dentist told me the only rubber band she has left for my braces is pink... I wanted to refuse.. but I am enjoying it right now. It's like having pink bubble gum stuck in between your teeth. Now, I match my outfits to it.

Pink is the color of joy. I fully believe that joy is experienced only through God's grace. Today, we lit up the pink candle in the advent wreath and it could not come at a better time for me.

I do not feel exactly joyous. But God in his kindness reminds me as always that joy is not laughter. Nor is it a feeling of gain.

Yesterday, I was with kids who have little to be joyous about. But they were just that, joyous. They were smiling the whole time, fully consumed by life and it's simple joys. The second floor of the fastfood we rented was shaking with their uncontrollable playfulness. Their laughter was deafening and heartfelt. When the food came, everyone was quiet fully consumed by our simple meal. Most of all, most if not everyone remembered to bring part of their meal for some other family members who were not there with them. They had very little yet they are willing to give so much. No wonder they are joyful. If only we allow ourselves to be joyful.... if only I want to be joyful....

I guess joy is corrupted mostly by taking back what we could have otherwise given. When we become stingy of the things we could share anyway, we do not rob other people of what belongs to them... we instead rob ourselves of the joy we could have received giving it all out.

Some people choose to be tightfisted in giving away goods, time, feelings, forgiveness, kind words... too afraid to be left lonely or wanting. But generosity is a virtue that has immediate rewards. Not that we want something in return always...but that we know that life rewards us with justice... in whatever form.

Christmas time is a good reminder to all of us that in nothingness... great things happen. Joy is not a product of plenty but of emptying out.