Note to self: Welcome happiness

 "As earthly human beings, we have to take account of an earthly future. For the sake of this future we must accept tasks, responsibilities, and joys and sorrows. We do not despise happiness simply becasuse there is so much unhappiness. We should not arrogantly push away the kind hand of God because God's hand is otherwise so hard. I think it is more important to remind one another of this in these days than of many other things.." 

                                                                                                                    Dietrich Bonhoeffer

                                                                                         

opening to joy

 Opening to joy means being willing to let the world enter us, to let it break our hearts, but not remain overwhelmed by the breaking. It asks that instead of turning away, we find those places where we can engage, can create, can offer; those places where we learn to sing amid the brokenness, in celebration of all that goes deeper still. 

Jan Richardson, Women's Christmas Retreat  (generously shared for free)

Joys and Sorrows

I haven't been in the mood for writing much lately. Most of my thoughts tend to be towards the sorrows of this world right now. I have my opinions about what's happening and why. I'm not sure what organizations or people to trust with giving accurate information anymore. What I do know is that we all are called to do what we can to make this world a better place. We are all called to love each other. We are all different, in our personalities, strengths, passions, so our contributions won't all look the same. But, we can all do something. 

Despite the heaviness that lingers lately, there is still beauty in the world, and it's okay, even GOOD to enjoy it during this time. Maybe, especially during this time. After all, isn't the desire for peace and beauty the reason WHY we protest, help, pray, contribute?

As earthly human beings, we have to take account of an earthly future. For the sake of this future we must accept tasks, responsibilities, and joys and sorrows. We need not despise happiness simply because there is so much unhappiness. We should not arrogantly push away the kind hand of God because God's hand is otherwise so hard. I think it is more important to remind one another of this in these days than of many other things..."   

 (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, pastor in Germany during WW2)

From the book: Bonhoeffer:Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas

J is for Joy

The other day I took my grandson and Enzo the Chi outdoors for a little romp in the backyard. It was a warm, sunny day-- the kind of day you imagine when you think 'spring'. Well, Enzo couldn't contain his joy. He zipped up and down the yard, and ran back and forth past us as I played tag with him. I swear he was smiling! Little C and I both had a good laugh over watching this little canine go crazy.

I wonder when was the last time I literally jumped for joy? Well, my heart was full of joy when I met my new granddaughter for the first time yesterday, but I didn't jump. I got a little emotional and quiet, to be honest. Joy can be expressed that way, too. 

Moments of wild abandonment and letting loose are healthy for anyone. Little children and happy dogs remind me what it's like to express joy without reservation.