Joy

I heard a talk recently on looking for joy. Being aware of, and finding it in our lives.
I do not always feel joyful. I sometimes get in the mindset that my life is hard. It can certainly feel that way, especially when I am tired and frustrated.

Luckily, I don't have to look very far to find it. My boys are full of joy. Sure, they are full of LOTS of things, not all good, but joy is at the top of the list. They wake up every morning and can't wait to get out of bed. They run around with huge smiles on their faces. They take every opportunity to laugh and giggle and light up a room. I feel bad sometimes being the person who makes them slow down, and clean up and be quiet at times. It can be difficult to contain all that enthusiasm.
I hate to think that growing up somehow crushes that joy with responsibility and civility.

I am thankful that joy is still relatively easy to find in the world around us. Friends are inspiring. Creativity is contagious. Kindness is appreciated.
I had the opportunity to enjoy some amazing music by some very gifted musicians tonight. Live music always conveys a powerful kind of energy. The musicians were extremely talented, and the music was absolutely joyful.

Now I just need to work a little harder at finding the joy when I'm changing the gazillionth poopy diaper and The Bug has thrown his lunch on the floor and The Bee has run out the front door with a sock on one foot and his bib on his head!