Day 1392

Hank and Charlie had a brief jaunt in the backyard this afternoon. Due to the blizzard conditions, we didn’t stay long, but those few minutes were priceless. At first, they were a bit hesitant about the snow, but soon they were literally flying around! As I watched, it occurred to me … that is what joy looks like!

As the little ones were being toweled off, I tried to think of times in my own life when I had felt joy. The birth of my children, Disney vacations, walking down the aisle towards Mac, seeing loved ones after a long separation, bringing puppies home…the list goes on. All of these joy-filled events were planned, anticipated and recorded in my heart. Had I ever experienced a spontaneous joy without the planning? Hmmm…

Finally, I realized there had been a time or two when joy surprised me. Seeing the ocean for the first time, a beloved child’s impulsive hug, running into a long-lost friend…. However, the surprise joys are rare.

Watching my two puppies embracing joy in the snow made me search within. Those two were almost immediately filled with joy when their paws hit the snow. Their hearts and spirits were open to allowing joy to be a partner in their romp. Maybe that is the recipe…

Invite joy to be a partner in the small adventures of life. It doesn’t have to be a monumental memory-maker to feel that excitement in your heart, I plan to invite “joy” along more often in the future. Perhaps sighting the first butterfly of spring or holding a sleepy puppy or two will be some of my joyous moments in the future. Being aware of the gifts surrounding me is a good place to start!