When I first read this beautiful thought by Julian of Norwich, it felt like a gentle invitation to stop running. To behold God in everything suggests that joy isn't something we have to chase or hunt down in far-off, spectacular events. Instead, it is a way of seeing, a lens through which we can recognize the divine presence woven into the very fabric of our ordinary, messy, and beautiful lives. It means that the sacred isn't just found in quiet cathedues or grand miracles, but in the tiny, breathing details of the world around us.
In our busy daily lives, it is so easy to overlook these moments. We often wait for the big promotions, the perfect vacations, or the massive milestones to allow ourselves to feel truly happy. We treat joy like a destination we haven't reached yet. But what if the joy is already here, hiding in plain sight? What if the warmth of a morning cup of coffee, the rhythmic sound of rain against the window, or the way a stranger smiles at you on the street are all small, shimmering glimpses of something much greater?
I remember a Tuesday not too long ago when I felt particularly overwhelmed by my to-do list. Everything felt heavy and gray. I was sitting on my porch, feeling quite stuck, when I noticed a tiny ladybug navigating the edge of a leaf. I watched it struggle, climb, and eventually find rest. In that small, quiet moment, I felt a sudden, profound sense of peace. It was as if the universe was whispering that everything was exactly as it should be. I didn't need a grand miracle; I just needed to stop and notice the life unfolding right in front of me.
Learning to find this fullness of joy is a practice, much like learning to play an instrument or tending to a garden. It requires us to slow our breathing and soften our eyes. It asks us to look past the surface of our frustrations and search for the light underneath. When we start looking for the divine in the mundane, the world begins to transform into a much more vibrant and sacred place.
Today, I want to encourage you to take just one minute to be a quiet observer. Look at something near you—a plant, a piece of art, or even your own hands—and try to find one small thing to marvel at. See if you can catch a glimpse of that hidden joy waiting to be seen.