Finding Joy in Family, Life’s Journey, and God’s Presence
🌟 “Everyday moments with my wife and daughter—giggles and challenges alike—remind me of God’s gift of family and fill me with gratitude. Advent calls me to share this joy with others.”
🌟 “Walking may seem ordinary, but it has become my source of joy. Whether on a pilgrimage or a simple stroll, each step draws me closer to God and reminds me to savor the present moment.”
🌟“In prayer, I heard God say, ‘I don’t want you to do anything, I just want you to BE with me.’ That simple invitation filled me with joy and reminded me to be present with Him.”
Reflection 1: Joy in Family Moments
As a young family, a lot of my everyday moments consist of my experiences with Tami and our daughter Jolie. Whether it be the giggles or the frustrating moments, as I reflect, those are all moments that bring me joy and gratitude. God has gifted me this family, and I couldn't be more thankful. This season of Advent reminds me to be joyful and share joy with those around me because of the people in my life.
John Tran
Reflection 2: Walking Toward Joy
As the year draws to a close, social media is buzzing with recap videos, highlighting moments big and small. Inspired by this trend, I took some time to reflect on my own year – the graces I’ve received, the lessons I’ve learned, and the blessings that have shaped me. As I sifted through these photos, one gift stood out above all others: the ability to WALK.
At first glance, walking might seem ordinary, something so woven into daily life that it’s easy to overlook. But as I dwelled on it, I realized how foundational it is – a gift from which so much joy flows. From the simple act of walking to the fridge for some ice cream to the profound experience of walking in a pilgrimage, retracing the steps of St. Ignatius, each stride has been an opportunity to grow, to move, to connect.
Walking the Camino Ignaciano was filled with challenges that tested my physical and mental strength. Yet, it was also a journey overflowing with joy. The road was not always easy, but every step reminded me of my deep dependence on God. With each stride, I felt God drawing me closer, inviting me into a deeper communion with Him. Finally, reaching the pilgrimage’s destination on the last day brought an overwhelming sense of joy and peace.
It’s humbling to see how something as simple as walking can be a pathway to joy. The rhythm of placing one foot in front of the other taught me to slow down, savor the present moment, and recognize the beauty of life’s journey. Especially during this Advent season, the grace of walking actually reminds me to slow down in order to rediscover the true joy of Christ’s coming and to focus on His presence in my life.
ThanhTu Nguyen
Reflection 3: Being Present With God
Each year during Advent, I always notice that I feel constantly preoccupied, moving, and stressed. There is always something that I need to be doing, and I often feel like I put God on the backburner.
During my most recent spiritual direction session, I brought these things to God and noticed feelings of guilt and shame well up within me. My mind moved to thinking about changes I need to make in order to make God happy. God responded, "I don't want you to do anything, I just want you to BE with me."
I noticed as I focused more on God's voice, I felt the guilt and stress melt away, and instead, I was filled with joy. The joy was an invitation to just be present with God. I didn't need to rush to the specifics of what that looked like just yet. God called me to be with Him more intentionally, and in that, I found the joy in my longing for closeness with Him.
JP Vu