There is joy in the world, and you can be joy. May you find joy in every day. When we look for it, we can find it. I choose to look for joy when possible … or when I remember that I need it. May you find what you need.
Fun Fact: A neighbor has a Reindeer Ranch. Yep, reindeer live just up the road from us. She has become an expert in Michigan for her work with the reindeer and sharing her knowledge of this beautiful and often misunderstood animal. She is a spokesperson for these special creatures.
Fun Fact: A friend always pays for the meals of Veterans when she finds out they are in line near her. No matter what they order, it becomes her treat out of respect for their sacrifice.
Fun Fact: I know many people who volunteer with numerous Animal Rescues, mostly helping dogs, but cats and other mammals too. Most foster, but others help with newsletters, websites, and transporting foster pets to the veterinarian’s office or to events. All of this plays a part in saving lives.
Some of these are random while others are planned or repeated; all are acts of kindness. Kindness keeps the world moving in a healthy direction. May random acts of kindness become commonplace.
I am grateful for the ability to create things with my hands. This is a form of education; continuous learning. With thanks to many friends and family, I am continually learning new things: laws to assist our clients at work, crafts to make for gifts, and care for the fur people.
A non-believer once asked why my dad would continue to go to Sunday School in his late 70’s. The answer: He wasn’t done learning about Christ and how to be a Christian. None of us are ever done learning in any capacity.
May you have a heart for learning and sharing your knowledge with gentleness and kindness.
“Even an animal, if you show genuine affection, gradually develops trust.” ~ The Dalai Lama
These girls are evidence that trust can be broken and trust can be built. We are progressing in our relationship through repeated acts of trust. They can trust us for food, water, clean litter, shelter, and an abundance of toys.
The first couple of photos are their first days with us. The larger photo with the red and purple toy is the girls more recently showing them much more relaxed. It’s a slow and steady course, but we are building trust together. I for them, and they for me. Trust is a mutual endeavor. It is to be nurtured and treasured.
“Deciding whether or not to trust a person is like deciding whether or not to climb a tree, because you might get a wonderful view from the highest branch, or you might simply get covered in sap, and for this reason many people choose to spend their time alone and indoors, where it is harder to get a splinter.” ~ Lemony Snicket”
To trust or not to trust, that may be the ultimate question. Sometimes, even leaving one’s home is an act of great trust that the world will welcome us with open arms and not harm.
May the treasure of trust be present in your life.
Life is full of unhappy surprises, but there are also good surprises. For example, last Christmas this owl made of cotton and a pine cone were left for me at church. I’ve still no idea who he is from, but he makes me smile. Another time our cousin Nancy gave us these large pieces of plastic fruit. No reason. Just because. I think of her every time I see them.
May the new year have happy surprises in store for you. Little, big, things that bring you joy. And maybe not just things: unexpected but appreciated hugs, kind words, time for lunch with a friend.
I am grateful for the ability and desire to create with paper products. Alone or with friends, it is soothing to me.
What soothes you?
Just a few things that bring me comfort:
Freelance writer, editor, hobby photographer, and administrative assistant
"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." Groucho Marx
The Good Things Black People Do, Give and Receive All Over The World
