Finding Joy Amid Chaos: Living in the Pockets

by Lori Wilson

I've been experiencing a range of conflicting emotions over the past few months. Moments when I worry about our country, the world, and the people affected by all of the violence. And then I bring myself back to the present moment and recognize the things I can do to create a more loving world right in my own little corner. That brings me some peace.

But I'm also struck by unexpected moments of joy.

The sound of a friend's voice when I pick up the phone - no matter what is happening or how I am feeling, I smile. The text from my brother is just a check-in to see how things are going. The pleasure of my grandchildren's goofy group text with emojis and a question: "Is anyone awake yet?" The feeling of a hug - strong and full of the message, "I see you!"

And then, as I make dinner, I hear the sound of a dear friend playing piano. I love listening to his music while I cook. This sound transports me to a space where sound and feeling intermingle, and I am truly present in the moment - really in God's presence. I become aware of God's goodness and how God breaks through all the other emotions of my day to give me these moments of joy.

In Scripture, we're encouraged to live in the moment and not worry, like the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. And yet God also created our brains to be thinking, thinking, thinking. These same brains that can spiral with worry are also wonderfully creative - making art, problem-solving, and helping us see in the current moment just how blessed we are.

I'm learning to really live into the moments of joy, those places where sound and emotion meet and create pockets of presence. I want to be a joyful person amid chaos, which doesn't mean the absence of chaos, but finding God's light breaking through it.

A Prayer

God of unexpected joy, You meet us in the sound of a voice, the ping of a text, the warmth of a hug, the notes of music while we stir the pot.

Teach us to notice these pockets of presence, these thin places where heaven touches earth right in the middle of our ordinary days.

When worry threatens to overwhelm, remind us that You are already here - breaking through with beauty, interrupting our anxiety with connection, turning our chaos into opportunities for joy.

Help us be still enough to notice, present enough to receive, grateful enough to let joy reshape us.

Amen.

Reflection Questions

• Where have you experienced "pockets of joy" breaking through your worries this week? What sensory details do you remember?

• What conflicting emotions are you holding right now? Can you name them without needing to resolve them?

• Who or what has been a consistent source of unexpected joy for you? How might you express gratitude for that presence?

• The reflection mentions sound as a carrier of joy (a voice, music, a text notification). What sense is most alive for you when you experience God's presence?

• What would it mean for you to be "a joyful person amid chaos"? How is that different from waiting for peace before allowing yourself joy?