My dog (named Joy!) and cat (Kitty!) bring me great joy. Living with joy in difficult times for me is linked with hope. Joy and hope are not wimpy concepts, though we often make them out to be. They require audacity and courage and sometimes a bit of crazy to cling to when all else tells us we shouldn’t. Joy and hope are two very vulnerable things to feel, and that is why they require great courage. Joy and hope are not only meant for the good and easy seasons of life. I believe they are most needed and most deeply cultivated through the struggle.