June 25, 2007

What makes you happy, I ask? What is it in life that brings you joy? If you stop long enough to think about it, isn’t it the simple things in life that give you the most pleasure and brings you joy?

Yesterday we took the children to a carnival in town. As the carousel went up and down, round and round little Kaeden, my two year old grandson, had the biggest smile on his face. Each time he would pass Pop Pop and Uncle Grant standing on the side, he would wave and shout “Hi”. It was the longest ride I can remember. When I saw the look of joy on the face of the man who was operating the carousel I wondered if he let us ride longer because he saw how much we were enjoying the ride?

In the stroller sat his sister, Dylan, who is 9 months old. Each time he passed her she was waving her little hands and arms and kicking her little feet in sheer excitement when she saw her brother on this painted pony going round and round. The music played a tune that went straight to my soul. I was covered in goose bumps.

When I handed the children a little piece of funnel cake, sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon they looked at me, not knowing what it was. The look on their faces when they tasted this new delight was priceless. To share this moment with them was the most special moment of all. It was pure joy!

In the evening after the kids were bathed and sound asleep I sat on the swing, on the front porch, and watched the stars appear through the night’s sky. It was a portrait on God’s canvas that was incredibly breathtaking. The air was clear and the temperature had dropped from the days heat to evening bliss. I watched a little frog hop from one spot to another and wondered what it would be like to experience a day in the life of a frog. And when I curled up under the covers in my bed I gave thanks for this wonderful day and fell fast asleep.

When I think about what makes me happy it is the little things I recall. A song on the radio while driving through the town, a strawberry that is sweeter than sugar and watching the children run through the sprinklers in the back yard. A laugh, a giggle, a squirm or squiggle when these precious children are being tickled, these are the moments I cherish most.

I ask, what is it that makes you happy? What is it that brings you joy? Whatever it is that puts a smile on your face or makes you feel happy to be alive, I invite you to give yourself permission to experience it today. Moments of joy are all around you, every minute of the day, just waiting for you to tune into and experience them. Regardless of what is on your days list to accomplish make it a point today to experience the joy in the moment. It is never the situation or experience alone that is grand, it is the spirit from which you are viewing it.

The key to happiness is attitude! When you can release the unwanted thoughts from your mind, slow down and begin to focus on the little things that are present everywhere, you can be filled with joy. The old saying, “Take time to smell the roses” is a reminder for all of us to partake in the simple pleasures of life.

Make a decision to enjoy your day, today and everyday!

In Love and Light
Kerry and her Angels

Copyright © 2007 Kerry Sue Hettleman