A vacation conjures hope of joyful time. Or a celebration of some sort. Or even just some event or activity. As we get nearer to the time, our anticipation builds up.

Hopefully, the actual joy is at least as much as we expect it. But sometimes it underwhelms, in spite of how much planning has gone into it.

Spontaneous joy, on the other hand, is unplanned. It comes unexpected. Simple things sparks small joys. But when least expected, they are like spontaneous combustion of joys. They bring smiles and warm our hearts.

There is no formula for it. It helps if we can slow down and be intentfully sincere with the people around us.

Lord,
help us to open our hearts up
and encounter spontaneous joy

Amen