Within our reach
Light shines into a dark corridor in Castillo San Cristóbal, San Juan, Puerto Rico 2010
“The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy.
Take joy!” — Attributed to Fra Giovanni Giocondo
This blog gives me an excuse to spend time reading from the wealth of inspiring, encouraging and remarkable writings that have accumulated over centuries. Much of what I read — probably most of it — was written by people who faced situations as dark or even darker than what we are facing now, yet refused to stop believing that joy is not only possible, but readily available to those willing to seek it out. The darkness is real, the troubles painful…but truth lives, beauty shines, and so much that is good is still with us. Wherever you are today, whatever difficulties you may be facing, I pray that you will be encouraged by these words to see your own future with hope, and take joy!
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- Tagged: healing, hope, joy, optimism, perseverance, steadfast faith
Defeat Despair 
I read this to Sherry, who is awake, but lying with her eyes closed.She was encouraged, and said she thinks this is your best blog entry yet.
Eric, thanks so much! I was afraid people would think the photo is too dark. But “light at the end of the tunnel” is a motif I’ve used often to describe various phases in our lives. I hope Sherry is feeling better — we have been praying for her!
Thank you!
You’re welcome, Carla. You have shared joy with me as much as anyone in my life, and I’ll always appreciate that.
O, LORD, give me and Yours the Fullness of Your JOY in us and in You because happiness is a shadow and never enough… Thank You, Julia for all the early [very] am encouragement it is a Joy to pass on… agape Love and prayers for you & yours Sister in Christ.
Thanks Kate! I am so happy you liked the post and we really appreciate your prayers for us.
Really uplifting blog, great warmth and authenticity too, big thanks for sharing, sincere regards, Barry
Thank you, I am so happy you like it. I appreciate your visit and your comments.
Your quote is so perfect with this photo. Wishing you joyful moments today Julia, thank you.
Thanks, I noticed awhile back I have a tendency to take photos shooting from a darker spot through doorways, windows, etc. where light is coming in. A metaphor for life, I guess! Hope you have joyful moments too! Thanks for being here.
Julia, I think the contrast in your photograph conveys your words so perfectly. Indeed, a difficult day can also have it’s fair share of hope and joy. Today was second chemotherapy
treatment for Bill. We will hope and pray for remission and find joy if that is God’s will. I have thought of your blog many times today. I hope Jeff had a good day, as well as you! Sheila
Sheila, thanks for your kind words about the post today. I hope Bill is holding up OK with the chemo. Jeff seems to be getting better at tolerating it. Perhaps he is getting used to it, or just learning all the tips and tricks to manage eating and sleeping, but I also hope and pray it means he is getting better. It is very tiring for him and some days he does better than others. I will be keeping you and Bill in prayer. We always feel exhausted at the end of chemo days, so I imagine you are feeling worn out! Hope you are able to rest well tonight. Thanks for taking the time to visit here with all that you have going on!
Thanks for letting me camp out in your blog for a little while today. I had a great time and tried to leave my campsite as good as when I arrived. I’ll be back in a couple of weeks!
I am so happy you came to visit! I will look forward to seeing you again, here and on your blog. Thanks!