I’ve realized one result of the pandemic is the loss of what I call “little joys” — meeting a friend
for coffee, going out to dinner, listening to live music. I’m starting to feel the need for
replacements, and I find myself looking to my 17 year-old son for guidance. Somehow he’s
been able to find little moments of joy and stress relief throughout this day, even in the midst
of his crazy schedule juggling rotating online and in-person high school as well as college
applications.

I see him taking a break from his school work, putting on Netflix, and laughing out loud to “The
Office” for a half hour. He curls up and listens to music in the camp sleeping bag he dug out of
the basement. He and some friends are planning a cross-country road trip for this summer;
studying Google maps and discussing potential routes is a great distraction and opportunity to
dream. I can tell these little things are feeding his soul, and I realize the need to discover my
own little things to feed mine.

I’m not much of a movie or television person, but the time and space that comes with winter
seems like the perfect opportunity to indulge. I have my annual favorites, including “Downton
Abbey” and the six-part BBC version of “Pride & Prejudice.” I also love the feeling of coziness
and warmth while reading under a fuzzy blanket. And a hot cup of morning coffee can be pure
joy to me.

I discovered a prayer for little joys written by Augsburg University’s campus ministry that
beautifully speaks to our times. I invite you to join me in praying this adapted version:

God, giver of everlasting joy, open our hearts to the glimmers of glee that remain before us even
in these days of hardship. Reorient us, if but for a moment, to notice the small things that give
hope, provide inspiration, thrill the soul, and generate smirks and smiles. Help us to notice these
little joys in a moment of quiet reflection with our bodies attuned to gladness. This we pray in
gratitude, Amen.

May you notice and relish the little joys that feed your soul today.

Blessings & peace to you,
Jennifer, CPE Intern