Since being a new mom, I have noticed how babies turn grown adults into the biggest fools! I am no exception. I gladly make ridiculous faces, completely inappropriate noises, and crazy and occasionally frightening dances just to get a giggle, smile, or even eye contact! It is all worth it just to see her pleasure.
One day the thought struck me that God is just as much a fool for us as we are for babies. Think about it…look at creation…roses make me smile, penguins make me laugh, and globe willows blowing in the Lubbock wind captivate me. As much as I enjoy these gifts, how much more does it please God’s heart to see me smile, hear me giggle, or just look into my eyes. So I want to encourage you to take pleasure in the gifts God brings you.
Please take a moment and share with us on the comments about what brings you joy, and this doesn’t have to be spiritual; feel free to have a sense of humor. After all “I Love Lucy” and a Snickers bar also make me giggle with pure pleasure.
I must surrender the keyboard to Elizabeth now who has been waiting impatiently to bang on the keys, and of course, I would not want to deny her the pleasure of this activity. It makes my heart happy, too!
Blessings!
Cathryn
Wow how long can our list be??!!!!
What immediatley comes to my mind that makes me smile and has blessed me beyond words in the last year is all of the women of the Springs!! There is such an outpouring of kindness love, acceptance, support, friendship, fellowship, Grace, laughter…the list goes on and on and it ALL make me smile and brings me joy!!
On a more silly note: Abi’s sense of humor CRACKs me up and the random sprinkling of million dollar words in her vocabulary 🙂
Watching “Wipeout” with Will brings me joy because that kid laughs really deep uncontrollable belly laughs, which makes my heart smile. Snowflakes on my nose. Thunderstorms. The smell of carnations. Spending time with my family. Seeing Abby nurture and care for others. Watching Bonanza with Dallas and the kids. I could go on and on and on…
What brings me joy — let me count the ways! My family. The belly laugh of a child. Spending time with girlfriends. Sunrises and sunsets. Fall leaves. Hot chocolate by the fire. Sloppy kisses and sticky finger hugs from my grandkiddos. A good story. Those moments when every cell in my body realizes that life is good and I’m at peace.
It has amazed me over and over since having children, how much God must delight in us as a Father. It does change your perspective, doesn’t it!
Just last night, Jonah filled my heart to capacity when I overheard his sweet prayers (while sitting on the toilet swinging his feet).
Besides that, I find so much joy in long anticipated thunderstorms, phone calls from my sisters, and beautiful flower arrangements.
So many many things make me smile. First thing and most important, when Ken says the words “I Love You”. When my dog, Lullah, cocks her head back and forth when I say the words “do you want” or “do you need”. My husband coming up behind me in a store and poking me from behind (making sure no one is looking of course). Seeing the lawn just after it is mowed. The smells and sights of West Texas Thunderstorms (I miss them). Watching birds soar over the Tennessee valley. Talking to my mom on the phone, practically daily. Unicycles, they’re just funny. And, I could not forget the big smile that goes from ear to ear when talk to my nephew and niece on the phone.
*LAMINATING! I don’t know why… It just does.
*When Lee tosses laundry just-out o-the-drier on me so i can be burried in a warm pile of great smells!
*Throwing my head back & laughing with my friends until I cannot stand up.
*When Scout ‘rubs in’ her kisses so they won’t slide off- though most people yhink she is wiping them off.
*Diet Dr. Pepper
*Silas sticking his tongue out when he is really concentrating
*Hearing Lee’s beautiful voice singing praise when he forgets that people might can hear him
*Sadie jumping up to help anybody & everybody do anything
*How my puppies will not leave me, even to eat, when I have an MS attack
*Thumb print cookies from Mrs. Camps
*Unsweetened peach iced tea
*Music
*Walks with my hubby
*Thumb print cookies from Mrs. Camps (yea, Paula!)
*Praying with folks, for folks, and just personal prayer too. The best part of my day is when I get to pray!
*Writing
*Computer graphics
*Time on our deck in Alto, NM!!!
*Talks & time with our kids
*Watching our puppies play
*Fun times with friends
Being with friends and family brings me joy! I don’t care if we’re cooking, playing, eating, or even cleaning—just being with someone else brings joy to the table in a delightful way.
Watching little ones “get something” for the first time—their little eyes sparkle and they just glow all over.
Bedtime conversations with my husband before we drift off to sleep.
Phone calls (and now FB notifications) from long ago friends.
Just a few–but, those are the ones that jump out at me.