joy

Joy.  I preached on joy this morning. That elusive gift that we don’t always acknowledge. Or recognize. I haven’t had it for a very long time.

But this evening I did. I’m sitting on the deck, with the summer cocktail in hand, the perfect gin and tonic.

And I’m waiting for the freeloaders to come and feed at the bird feeders – and so they do.

There are 3 pairs of orioles that have now made it a habit of coming to the free for all restaurant.  Grape jelly – and orange marmalade –I’m such a good host!  They are not so crazy about fresh oranges – but the squirrels sure do. Who would have thought? Squirrels and fruit? They are the goats of the forest – they will eat just about anything…………….

But I digress…

 Papa humming bird comes along – checking out the goods – and flutters in front of me – mere inches from my face -  hovering for what seemed like forever, but surely only seconds – perches on the post above the feeder – quietly sitting – no frantic fluttering – a rare calm.

These minute creatures were Glenn’s favorite – he loved watching them feed – hover – flit – only to go away and then come back and do it again. Morning and evening without fail.  They have a family to raise somewhere close by, I’m sure.   Then Mama hummingbird comes and copies what Papa has just done.

And of course the orioles – feasting on the fruit of the vine and the woodpeckers too, slacking their thirst at the font of life.

And lest I forget, the robins getting ready for date night, the necessary bath before heading out to court the mother of his children.

Yes – tonight there is joy in mudville.  It doesn’t happen often these days, almost never, actually - but tonight, yes. There is joy.

Fleeting though it may be – like the hummingbird in front of my face.