Joy is ... by members of the Quarterly staff Our new home was still under construction when we moved in. Two days later it was raining heavily. Unattached downspouts and a hill bereft of any covering combined to create rivers that channeled the flow into a holding pond below. As I sat looking out into the dark day, to my amazement, I saw a pair of ducks paddling slowly and without concern, unaware of the pelting rain and their churning pond water. They were simply being ducks. An old song, "Joy is Like the Rain," moved through my mind as I observed their tranquility. Lord, I prayed, give me joy even in the rain. Renewed, I went back to my unpacking with a lightened heart content to simply be what I have always been-His child. I sit in a rocker in the corner of the family room. On my lap are my prayer journal, my Bible and my favorite devotional resource, Psalms Now by Rev. Leslie Brandt. Each morning, without fail, God gives me just what I need: encouragement, hope, comfort, challenge, reassurance of forgiveness, the sense of His presence. Joy is time with Jesus. Joy fills my mind and heart and lights up my face when I have the privilege of sharing the great news that God loves us unconditionally-no matter what! Hearing the garage door open on a stormy day and knowing God's angels escorted my loved one safely home. Catching a giggling toddler at the bottom of the slide and swinging her over my head. Looking through old photograph albums and exclaiming, "Remember that?!" Sitting down to supper and realizing much of our bounty came from God giving growth to our garden. Walking and talking with a friend. Meeting my sister for lunch. Witnessing God's majesty in the colors of the sunrise as I sip my coffee and thank God for the gift of a new day. Eating chocolate chip cookies hot from the oven with friends who listen, laugh and encourage. Singing praises to my Savior and Lord accompanied by the crescendo of the pipe organ and my husband's off-key voice. Tasting the bread and wine of forgiveness and knowing it's only a foretaste of the joy to come.