Joy Agwu ’24
Joy Agwu’s grandmother called sunrises and sunsets “God’s painting,” and those works of art became a way for her to bookend each day with a moment of gratitude. On a trip to Mexico with her closest Notre Dame friends, one breathtaking sunset showed her that God is the ultimate painter and will always guide her journey.
“That something new was already on the horizon. I had just been accepted into ACE, and I soon began teaching in Louisville, Kentucky. Whenever I see the sunset from my window, it feels like a continuation of that peace, even after a long, challenging day with my students. The colors, the quiet — they center me, reminding me that every day brings a fresh start, to look for the sunrise after a sunset.”
When Jesus was born, something new was happening. Mary and Joseph didn’t fully know what that would be, but they trusted that God had everything in his hands. What is something new God is asking us to trust him within this season of Advent?
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Beautiful!
What a beautiful story and reflection Joy shared reminding us to trust God with everything in our lives!
…that we should have an appreciating love for one another; God’s masterpiece of creation…
That we look to God and believe that he will guide us in whatever path he chooses for us. We just have to believe in him 🙏
Thank you for a new appreciation of every sunrise and sunset!
I love that your grandma said sunrise was God painting, I will pass that on as it is a beautiful thought
Such a beautiful reflection Joy! Thank you for sharing! Best wishes to you as you continue your journey! Your students are lucky to have you. The friendships you made at ND will be reminders of gods love for you as well throughout your life. Your memories brought back many for me. And I will be looking at the sunsets for sure with your reflection in mine especially during this advent season. Merry Christmas!
Beautiful
What a lovely trip, Joy. Thank you for sharing your memories with us. I hope you have great success with your ACE program. Just listening to you, I’m sure you will bring as much to ACE as you get out of it. May God continue to bless you in your life.
Thank you for sharing this lovely reflection today! Merry Christmas!
Joy, such a moving and inspiring story. Your very name is a lovely happenstance for what we experience when we recognize Christ in all the things unfolding in our everyday lives. God indeed “paints” our souls with His everlasting love and grace.
Best of luck as you move forward to your next sunrise…
Thank you for your beautiful words on our Lords masterpiece
Sunrise and Sunset
Merry Christmas. I just want to thank you for this website as these stories are inspiring and comforting.
God bless!