Joyful in all things

We got a call from close friends who live a couple of hours from us, who wanted to make the trip down to just BE THERE for us. No pressure, no entertaining on our part, just BE HERE. I cannot possibly articulate what that has meant for us. We had a lovely lovely day of visiting, lunch out, a trip to see the cemetery where our son is doing his Eagle project next weekend, laughter, setting up Netflix. I know, it sounds run-of-the mill, but it was anything but that. It meant so very much to us to not feel adrift in the sea of despair, but along comes a raft, no a yacht really, with an "all hands on deck!" rescue. We felt loved, protected, cherished that someone took time out of their very busy lives to throw us a life preserver. Once again, I am humbled that they came down. I have tried in the past to describe "joy" to someone. It isn't reliant on happiness, but it is deeper than that. I can have a crappy day full of the day to day stuff that clogs the works, yet still feel that intrinsic joy that is unexplainable. Today was filled with joy, not just that we woke up, but that we recognize we are not alone. There is love surrounding us even in the dark moments. I hope I can give that back someday to someone who is walking through the fire. To B&B: you turned on a light that warmed our souls...To give of yourself is really the greatest gift of all.