Happiness is untested delight. Joy is delight tested.
~ Jack Hyles

The sunflowers are back in the Kootenays. Yes, I know they are really called arrow leaf balsam root but locals call them sunflowers because they follow the sun.

I love this time of year! My friend told me they were in bloom. I’m grateful I felt well enough this weekend to hike up to the first butte where they are known to congregate.

It’s been a year of testing, a year with moments that would not usually fit in the delightful category. And yet there is joy in the midst of challenge. I am learning to choose to notice the delight God takes in his creation, for example.

I am learning that joy is not dependent on circumstances. Joy rises above mere logic and statistics of probability.

Joy, real joy, is knowing that the Source of joy is trustworthy.

Joy is seeing the big picture and knowing that in the end all will be well.

The road between here and there can be steep, trying, and even painful, but in the end, all will be well. Our heavenly Father sees the beginning from the end and the end from the beginning. His love wins.

This is the season of new hope, freshly sprung and following the sun.

Hope. Spring. Eternity.

God is good.