Joy is on the Calendar

CELEBRATE AND SAVOR MOMENTS OF JOY

When my friend was dying, the cedar waxwings arrived. To encourage him, I had been sending him inspiring quotes every morning, but when the waxwings came, I sent photos instead. It warmed my heart to hear how excited he was to see those birds! He responded, “I’m going to put it on my calendar and remind you to look for them next year at this time.”

My friend never made it to the next year, but I cannot see a cedar waxwing without thinking of him. He taught me so much about noticing, about celebrating, and savoring the moments that bring joy. The cedar waxwings are now on my calendar. I wait for them every year.

Is joy something we can put on the calendar?

It can be hard when we miss someone we love or struggle with anxiety, depression, or pain—but this world is filled with so much goodness!

Yesterday, the waxwings came.

When I stood at the window and watched them flocking to our tallest maple, joy flooded my soul. There was only me, the sky, and leaves drifting down beneath those lovelies.

Cedar waxwings are beautiful birds. Even before I was an avid birder, I was captivated by their silky feathers, jaunty tuft, and saucy black mask. The tips of their tailfeathers are bright yellow, as if dipped in sunshine. The name "waxwing" derives from waxy red secretions found on the tips of their wing feathers.

Several years ago, when I spotted a large flock of them feeding on the stunted fruit of my neighbor’s flowering crabapple tree, I promptly planted one in my yard. The tree is not big enough yet to provide them the anonymity they prefer, but I watch and wait.

CELEBRATE WITH JOY, GRATITUDE, AND DELIGHT

These beautiful birds have brought me peace. I keep picking up my binoculars, studying their graceful silhouettes and the funny way they twist their heads to gather berries.

Celebrating their beauty is richer for the sorrow of missing my friend. God-With-Us bumps up against my shoulder as we delight together.

Only by observing the waxwings closely can I see the waxy red tips of their secondary feathers. Only by noticing their love of fruit can I invite them with the right plantings. Only by allowing myself to slow down enough to enjoy how they land on the treetops do I celebrate their beauty.

Sometimes we need a reminder on the calendar to open ourselves up to receiving this gift—to celebrate with joy, gratitude, and delight.

I will mark the date and look forward to the cedar waxwings’ arrival each year. When I see them, I will miss my friend, but I’m learning to welcome all the moments—the bitter and the sweet.

What helps you celebrate joy and delight in hard moments and dark days?

PRAYER

Father, all around us, we see things worth celebrating, but we must take time to notice them. Help us to do this—anticipate joy, gratitude, and delight in our days. May we look to You and welcome these moments today! In Jesus’ name, amen.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. Look out your window, notice three unique things, then thank God for each one.
2. What helps you find joy during difficult moments?
3. How can you put joy on your calendar?