Ever wonder how to be joyful?
I wake up, groggy and slow. It’s another 10 minutes before my alarm should ring, but something has woken me, a footstep, the click tap of a hard object being set down on the bedside table. I think,”What does he (Mark, my husband) want? Why can’t it wait? Why does he have to make noise and awaken me early?”
Grumbling.
I roll over and peek out of the slits of my eyes. He’s gone. I glance to the side of my bed and see my favorite coffee mug waiting for me. Mark has not only poured my coffee but also added the exact amount of creamer and sweetener I like and delivered it to my bedside.
And I grumbled?
I feel so ashamed.
This tiny little act by my husband changed my grumpy, grumbling attitude immediately and filled me with joy. Our day might have started differently, both of us wrapped up in ourselves and all we need to do.
Understand, not everyone has a Mark to set their coffee at their bedside table. Maybe you don’t. Maybe I don’t always as certainly he doesn’t spoil me like this every morning. I can’t judge my day on the things others can do for me. I can only realize the affect this small event has had on my emotions and comfort and learn from it.
I realize I have that power, too – that power to initiate and create little things to make a huge difference for someone else and for myself. To be joyful. To create joy.
Those little things are vital to living a joy-filled life. Little things which bring joy don’t have to be for me; they can just as easily FROM me. I imagine making someone else feel a little more special, a little less grumpy.
I like that thought.
…in my favorite mug!
Vaishnavi says
Little thoughtful deeds bring so much joy. Great read. I would like to start praying for people in distress, every morning – to bring positivity to their lives 🙂
Julie Pfeifer says
What a great idea!
Becki Svare says
What a great article! I will try to remember to look at things joyfully 🙂
Julie Pfeifer says
It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it!
Linnie C says
This was such a sweet thing to read and encourages me to initiate and create joy for someone! Thank you for this.
Julie Pfeifer says
Linnie, Thank you so much; I’m so glad you liked it. Have a wonderful day. God bless!