Looking out for Joy

In a completely different vein to the last two posts, here's installment 2 of the Advent reflections on Joy for this week. (You can follow the whole series here.)

Oh, and i'm feeling a bit more joyful and inspired than last time. Last night i did a bit of creative writing, some quick charcoal sketches, and started to read The Little Prince again - all of which seemed to clear some of the clouds up.

Advent Reflection 2 - Looking out for Joy

Two reflective pieces to mull over as we wait with anticipation for the Joy of the world to come:

Unpredictable Joy

In the Gospel of John, Jesus sums up pretty much everything by saying, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). He said it at the supper that he knew was the last one he’d have a mouth to eat.
Happiness turns up more or less where you’d expect it to – a good marriage, a rewarding job, a pleasant vacation. Joy, on the other hand, is as notoriously unpredictable as the one who bequeaths it.
~ Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house empty
of its furniture, still,
treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.
~ Rumi, The Guest House

When did Joy unexpectedly knock on your door this Advent season? Was she alone, or accompanied by some friends? (Say, perhaps sadness, or peace?) And, how did you treat these unexpected guests?