Joie de Vivre

Winnie and Alice, two of our dogs, never cease to amaze us. They are energetic, game for anything and ready to go at the drop of a hat. Go for a walk? Not without them-rain, snow, cold, it doesn’t matter. Playtime? It is amazing what they can do to a box of tissues! Nap time? No problem, they are ready for that as well. In fact, no matter what they do, they do it with all their being.

Alice and Winnie simply love life.

I am not the first to say this and I won’t be the last, but there is much that we can learn from our four-legged friends. They seem to have this innate ability to remain “in the moment,” which in turn allows them to seize every opportunity and to do so with pure joy.

We, on the other hand, rush to get from point A to point B. We want everything instantly and we worry. Life is hectic-work, family, school, etc. I often wonder whether we focus too much on that which surrounds us rather than what is within us. If we slow down and enjoy “being in the moment” we might find more joy. Or should I say that we would recognize it?

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of joy that you have blessed me with. Amen. — DR