Merriam-Webster defines joy as " a state of happiness or felicity."
But I suspect there is more to it than that. I think rather that it includes the ability to use imagination to turn a simple tire swing into a rocket ship hurtling through outer space, the aptitude to thoroughly enjoy the simple things of like, and the freedom to be expressive and let that joy shine.
(September has been glorious weather wise here in our neck of the woods in NC and we've spent countless hours at different local parks on our own; with Lottie; with Abbey; with Darby and Henry; and with various combinations of our friends)
Children. They have this natural knack of finding joy in the everyday. In the little things. Like tire swings, sandboxes, a book read with parents, a piece of Tupperware, even a treat of a single Peep. (Yesterday I took the kids a snack bag of one Peep ~ we really need to refresh our stock come holiday season, they are content with one Peep for dessert ~ and 10 pretzel sticks for the ride home from school. Kylie saw her bag and said, "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you Mommy! This is so 'pecial!")
But we adults. Well, I think it can truthfully be said that we just aren't that joyful. Oh sure, we say we are joyful from time to time, but we tend to save it for the holidays or big events, not the everyday.
Perhaps that is why "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these'." ~ Matthew 19:14.
May all of us in adulthood be able to follow in the footsteps of our children (or grandchildren) and be joyful despite the circumstances our lives find us in!
And just to get happy thoughts rolling, leave a comment to share something you are joyful about today!
9.15.2009
Joy...
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14 comments:
My Tongginator... careening off the bus to tackle me at the end of a long school day. I asked her, "gee, did ya miss me?" Heh.
I got to spend a little time with our new 80 year old neighbor. She saved a small box of toys from her old house "for Noah to play with when he comes to visit me". So sweet! I just want to put her in my pocket!
Watching my gang play with the hose and finding frogs. Oh the thrill of the simple things.
I LOVE the picture of the kids little feet through the tire swing.. so sweet! Boy, we have alot to be joyful for around here - I'm walking & standing upright for one..haa! It's amazing how much joy you find in that when it's been taken away - but my favorite was yesterday as Anne Marie was swinging, she wanted me to push her, but I couldn't do it quite yet, so I was teaching her how to swing herself & she said "Mommy, I love you" - even though I couldn't do it for her!
Last night while tucking Arden in for bed she told me "your the best mommy" awhhh.. it melts my hear. I know sometimes I do NOT win the best mom award but even if I was for that moment I will take it everytime! Thank you for such a great post!
Ok, this post is sort of the antithesis of mine. Although I did find joy in the box turtle and watching Adam read to Andrew. Does that count just a little bit?
Last night I found joy in the fact that Taco Bell and Zaxbys are so close together, all children were pleased and it was a major timesaver. We were able to spend time together outside in this glorious weather. Simple yet joyous.
There is joy when your daughter hugs you and says, "I love your hugs. They are special."
Joy when your youngest is right in the middle of telling you a story and says, "Hold on. Mustang yellow--called it first."
Joy when your oldest wants to curl up on the sofa with you at the end of the night when the youngest ones are already tucked in bed and wants you to read out loud to him.
Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. ~ Mother Teresa
Love you!!
Yes joy is what we all need! There is a quote by Picasso that says "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain and artist once we grow up."
I think the same can be said for joy! Why do we lose the ability to see the beauty in everyday little things!?
Aunt Cici
"Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." - George Bernard Shaw
I am thankful that you have reminded me that we all have the opportunity to create the life we want - not simply live the life we think we have. Thanks for the reminder!!
BTW, love the picture of the kids feet and the swing.
Love the pictures!! My joy is everyday when Josh and Kayla comes home from school Makenna screams and says Mommy the kids home. It melts my heart how much love they have for each other.
I was joyful today when I realized that I have two twin men who are going to be here for Christmas this year!!!!
Love the new blog design! And the sweet picture in the header - ahhhh. I have spent some time catching up and as always, looking good! :) Praying for approvals my friend.
Joy was getting to spend an hour catching up with your old college roomate this evening! :)
Beth
PS...more enjoy will come when I am able to catch up in person!! :) :)
Todays joy was getting to spend a few minutes alone with Emily. It hasn't happened much since the arrival of her mei mei.
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