Busy Being Happy

Recently my mother and I had the most wonderful trip to America. We spent six weeks traveling, speaking in many churches and other events, and joyfully visiting dear friends and family. We both say that this trip seemed especially sweet as we shared and prayed and hugged and laughed with those we love so dearly.

One particular visit was to see my cousin and meet her two new family members: Vinny and Milo. Vinny is a one year old, long haired dachshund. Milo will be one in August and is a dachshund-chihuahua cross. When we entered the house and were seated, they were let loose. Oh, my! What exuberance! They were displaying happiness on steroids!

Every night before my cousin goes to bed, she cleans up “the boy’s” room, gathering all the toys, scattered everywhere, and returns them to the toy box. First thing in the morning, the boy’s run with gusto and attack the toy box, bringing out every toy. They are so happy with what they have been given. To Vinny and Milo, every morning is Christmas. Their excitement is off the richter scale.

What caught my attention when I watched a video clip of their morning happiness, was the fact that the toys were the same toys they play with everyday. The same balls, the same stuffed animals. the same, same, same., but they are appreciative beyond measure. I thought to myself, if only we humans could be so appreciative. Let’s think about what we are given each day.

A sunrise that promises a new day. A sun that warms the earth. Clouds that offer coolness. Rain that gives the plants, animals, and us what we need to drink. A moon to brighten the night, illuminating our way. Fruit on trees, grains in the fields, vegetables to fill our plates. It’s the same sun, the same moon, the same rain, the same food, but where is our excitement? What happened to our thankfulness?

I have been touched by the display of gratitude and enjoyment displayed by Vinny and Milo. May I also look at God’s world with fresh eyes, being excited and appreciative of all that He has given me and each of us.

When I look at the night sky and see the work of Your fingers — the moon and the stars You set in place — what are mere mortals that You should think about them? Yet You made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything You made, putting all things under their authority — the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims in the ocean currents. O Lord, our Lord, You majestic name fills the earth.

Psalm 8:3-9 (NLT)

May we all count our blessings today. May we all stay busy being happy.