Recipe for Joy:
Sit.
Laugh.
Dig in the dirt.
Walk barefoot.
Breathe deeply.
Lean in for hugs.
Forge a new path.
Listen to bird songs.
Follow your children.
Linger on the front porch.
Let laughter pave the way.
Dance to the hum of crickets and frogs.
Feel ice cream drip down your chin.
Believe everything is an adventure.
Lean against the trunk of a tree.
Watch the sparkle of fireflies.
Eat a sun-ripened tomato.
Marvel at ripples of water.
Savor cold lemonade.
Splash in a pool.
Give thanks.
Look up.
Pray.
Repeat as often as necessary.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. You can read more at her website, follow her work on Facebook, or sign up for her monthly newsletter.