16 Comments
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Sylvia Hewitt's avatar

Yes. Joy is evidence of our humanity, it can be obscured by the smoke and mirrors of the idiocracy swirling around us. Moments like the one you describe reveal this truth and we must cultivate our ability to notice and celebrate together. Thank you for sharing this intimate reflection

Nancy Floyd's avatar

I was thinking this watching "Manosphere," on Netflix. Larry Crabb, said in his book, "Inside Out," that happiness is easy. Find an island, drink, grab some partners & make yourself happy. But we need real relationships, to contribute something worthwhile to society, to be known, to know others & to understand so many things. Then there's all those eternal questions.

Karen Waldman's avatar

Such joy felt reading these heartfelt joy filled words. May there be so so many joyful moments in their future together… and your own dear Professor.

EK Smith's avatar

Such a beautiful story of the depths of joy!

Leigh Horne's avatar

❤️ This is what we think of as God really it. Many thanks for making that plain. All the best to each member of your family. You've made me glad to be alive, and human, today.

Rhona Perkins's avatar

So beautiful. So happy for you and your family. Thank you for letting us share in your joy. A most bountiful Mazel tov

John McAndrew's avatar

Jack Gilbert wrote,

"If we deny our happiness, resist our satisfaction,

we lessen the importance of their deprivation.

We must risk delight. We can do without pleasure,

but not delight. Not enjoyment. We must have

the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless

furnace of this world. To make injustice the only

measure of our attention is to praise the Devil."

Delight. Joy. Congratulations to you and your son and all your relations, and thanks for sharing. We need to be reminded to pay attention to the things like this that give us life.

Mary Roach's avatar

“The joy of your spirit is the indication of your strength!” - Emerson

Congratulations to Langston and your and Mrs. Glaude’s new daughter in love!

Cathy Horowitz's avatar

Joy is what I feel when I see and hear you speaking my truth in words I could never put together so eloquently! You are the absolute best and blessings to your family.

Patris's avatar

Truly 🙏… Joy transcends all ..

SophieMAX's avatar

🙏thank you for sharing a piece of your joy with us!

Carmen Lezeth's avatar

At first I thought you and I had a different idea of happiness versus joy. But as I've re-read it, I realize we are in the same neighborhood. Happiness is external. Joy is internal. It comes from within and yes, what you were feeling is something happiness can never hold or bear. It is Joy! Congratulations to you and your family. May Joy always be a part of all of your lives. It really is what sustains us. It sustains me...

Yolanda DeCoud's avatar

Who's crying? I'm chopping onions. My God, that is beautiful! "Ain't No Need To Worry" Anita Baker and The Winans 1987 on my mind.

SB Dorsey's avatar

beautiful essay .will share it with my daughter and son in law who were married a year ago.Blessings to the joyful couple

Debra Northart's avatar

Lovely and thoughtful. Congratulations to your son and his bride; to you and your entire family for the joy. Hold it tight. ❤️

Daniel Osei-Kissi's avatar

Wonderful and to end it with Psalm 30:5 puts the icing on the cake.

It reminds me of a familiar quote from the late Russell M. Nelson :

“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”