Living Joyfully
Helping Pets & Encouraging People
Simple, but Powerful
I got to wake up this morning with Jorj snuggling my feet, and Charlie in between my hubby and I snuggled in as happy as can be. My two dogs get to live their lives knowing they are loved and cherished. Saturdays are made for sleeping in, and for our standards we did. By 7:30am we were up, Jorj had his medications (he’s an epileptic), Charlie had her sweater on (she has a layer of fur, and it gets cold here) and we were geared up and ready for our morning walk. It is amazing what a simple walk can do! This morning there was moisture in the air, it was a crisp and refreshing. As we were walking along the rain started to fall, slow and misty at first, then turning into bigger droplets that soaked my hair and made us realize that turning back was a good option, until we saw the rainbow. At first it was a half rainbow barely there, but as we turned to follow the road towards it, the rainbow became full. The colors were so vibrant and clear, the sky inside the rainbow arc was lighter than the sky outside of the arc. The rain came in gentle waves of sprinkles to bigger droplets. As we kept walking the second rainbow appeared, not as vibrant as the original but still as beautiful.
What a way to start the day! Thank you God for the beauty of the moment! As we stopped to take the pictures the horses that were in the pasture came out to say “Hi!” Jorj is such an easy going guy that he just let them do their thing, as Charlie decided to take on every single one of the horses, which luckily she couldn’t do very well, thank you fence line and calm horses. We headed back wet from the rain, but filled with joy for the day.
Once home I received a text from a dear friend of mine. She has three dogs that love to hunt, love to play and love to be around the family. One of the dogs though is in hospice care and doing well with the treatments she is getting. I got this text and a picture. It brought tears to my eyes because my friend’s dog is doing what she loves to do, yes it may be the last time she does the hunt but for the moment she is out in the woods, with her owner and the other dogs enjoying life. The picture was of her in a field, she is focused and doing what a hunting dog does. I wrote back to my friend telling her how wonderful it is that she and her hubby said yes to letting there sweet dog go. There is always the fears and worries that lay in the back of our minds about the “what if’s?” These worries and fears would be there if their dog was laying on the couch or out in the fields.
I was sad about the “last time” comment because it might actually be true, but it was the joy that Katie got to do what she loves that brought tears to my eyes. How many times do I not do what I would love to do because of worries and fears that overturn the anticipation of the thing I want to do. I have enough worries and fears to fill a dump truck, but I also have learned that the joy of trusting that God is in control overpowers the dump truck. Over the years I have gone places and tried new adventures all based on the fact that I will not let fear rule what I do.
I have to force worries away when it comes to my kids, with what they go through on a daily basis in school, on the internet in our home. I understand now why people who have already gone through the teenage years really don’t have the words to describe the process to newbie moms going into the teen years with their kids. I remind myself daily that I need to find the joy in everyday encounters and conversations I have with my kids. They want to talk to me about their interests, and with some encouragement they still do activities with the family.
It’s the simple I am noticing brings the most joy. A walk in the rain that brings you to a double rainbow. Horses that come out to say hello, and dogs who are happy to snuggle in or grab a toy for a game of tug o war. A simple text from a friend letting me see that her dog gets to enjoy life, and that they can let her do it because she is comfortable. Making a cake for my oldest child’s birthday. Sitting on the couch as the rain falls and the family starts to wake up. It’s hard to not let life get in the way of the simple, but even that is a choice, that once made is rest for the soul. Until next time:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Rae's New Shine Childrens Book
One day Rae woke up and felt different. When she looked at the people around her they seemed to “shine brighter” than she did. When she finally prayed about it and asked her mom for help, she realized she didn’t know her own worth. She didn’t believe in herself and felt dim compared to others. Once she started to see she was talented and worthy her shine came back.
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Living Joyfully 