I spy joy on the street corner

I put off my quest for joy yesterday until I could stop the rumbling in my belly — it was after 2pm and I was beyond hungry.  I grabbed a soft taco from cart row and made my way to Pioneer Square to sit in a pleasant place to eat in the sun.  While enjoying my late lunch I found myself tapping my toes to a lively beat that could be heard for blocks.  Strong, bold, rhythmic tones emanated from the corner on the next street.  It was happy, vibrant music.  I walked to where I could see this wonderful man rapping wood on plastic so enthusiastically that I couldn’t help but smile.  Watching from a fair distance away, I saw several people do a little dance as they walked by him.

After five minutes or more of enjoying the music, enjoying the musician and the people he moved to movement, I wanted to give something back to this man who was spreading joy to so many.  I hopped into Starbucks, bought him a cup of coffee, put some money in his jar and thanked him for livening up the corner with his soulful music.  It was clear to me he was doing what he loved, and in addition to the joyful  sounds, I spied joy in his spirit; and it rippled out from that street corner into the ears and toes and hearts of many of us fortunate passers by.