Singing bird, flowing fountains

Kathy, one of my most faithful encouragers and recent traveler to the top of a Hawaiian volcano (isn't this picture amazing?), sent me an email on Thursday letting me know that I and the hymn "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee" were on her heart and mind.

Of all the lyrics, "singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee" really stuck out to me.

Call me crazy, but all I could think about were my two kids. My singing bird? Anna Grace. My flowing fountain? Zeke's victory in potty training. He doesn't wear diapers- ever. Not even at night. It's amazing and wonderful. I'm thankful for flowing fountains of urine. Is that weird?

I guess I just have the mind of a mother.

But I'm dead serious. It causes me to rejoice in Jesus.

Not only that, but for the Father love reigning over me and Kathy- binding us together in a bond even death cannot break. I am so grateful.

Mortals, join the happy chorus, which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us, brother love binds man to man.

May you find Joy today. Like my peculiar joy found at the toilet goes to show, it may be in the oddest or most ordinary place, but it's waiting for you just the same.

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!