Little Joys

Life can be crazy. It can be draining, depressing, frustrating, and all around make you want to go back to bed and pretend you have no responsibilities. It's so easy to get caught up in the negative things and forget about how wonderful life really is. So, I'm going to take a moment to share about the small joys in my life that really should outshine getting caught in traffic or dealing with rude customers:

• Hearing a friend laugh: I know it's cheesy, but it's true. I had two girlfriends over last night for dinner and a movie and laughing together with them was probably the best way I've spent my time recently.
  

• Hearing a baby laugh: Along the same lines as the one above it. We all need to be real for a minute, listening to babies laugh is intoxicatingly joyful.
  

• The sun peeking through the trees: To the Midwest, I apologize. Just remember, this time is coming for you, too! But, honestly, there is almost nothing as peaceful as sun dappled tree leaves.
  

• Almond milk in coffee: While I don't really like to just drink almond milk, put it in coffee and it's a rather magical experience.
  

• Coloring books: Oh, stop being such an adult. You know you love a good coloring book. It relaxes your brain and brings out your inner child. Who cares about the office when there are puppies and kittens to color in! And don't stress about staying in the lines, abstract is good, too. Just ask Picasso
  
  

• Hummingbirds: But, really. How can we be upset about anything where there is something as magical (and adorable) as hummingbirds in the world?
  

• Flowers: I feel like I don't even need to explain this one, but I will. Flowers are so delicate, simple yet intricate, add color to even the most drab scenery, and can bespeak hope in the midst of incredible sorrow. Flowers are new life in the midst of our cement jungles. Flowers are amazing.
  

The more I added to this list the more I wanted to keep going...but then this post would be really long and I'd lost your attention! So, I may revisit this. But, it does make me wonder: these are some of the joys I've found. What are your joys?

All Grown Up

I have been very jealous of children lately. The other day I was watching a little girl skip through the park singing to herself and chasing squirrels. It was the cutest thing ever. But it occurred to me that if I saw an adult doing the same thing, I would probably move myself to another part of the park because, clearly, this person is insane. And that makes me sad. Why does growing up have to mean leaving our imaginations and the sheer joy of being alive behind? Not to say that we should all run around singing and chasing squirrels, but why do we make fun of adults that are creative or enjoy playing pretend? Like people who cosplay (short of "costume play" for those who don't know)? Or those people who meet up in parks and dress up like knights and play with foam swords (LARPing? I think that's what it's called.)? Why is this looked down on? But, on the flip side, it's totally normal to paint yourself head-to-toe in a body paint and scream yourself hoarse cheering for you favorite sports team...
In my personal opinion, I think it's because life becomes so bleak when you become an adult. It's all bills, hard work, and falling into bed exhausted at the end of the day. Who has time to have fun? So, when we see someone who makes time to feel alive, we are jealous and a little bitter. So we all learn to call it childish and write them off to feel better about our own lives. But...I think that's sad. I think we should all find time to let our inner child out. Just for a moment to let the joy of being alive be all we worry about. I saw a great quote online years ago: "Maturity is knowing when it's okay to act like a child." And, if that's true, I hope that I am very mature.
Life is beautiful, and we're missing it.

Joy in Planting

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.  Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation. Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy. My soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in His salvation.Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

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(Verses used: Ps. 126:5-6, Gal. 6:8, Ps. 33:3, Ps. 34:9, Is. 12:3, Hosea 10:12, James 3:18, Rom. 15:33)