Skip to main content

For the Joy of It

Image courtesy of NPS
It’s windy today. Driving through downtown, I saw a dozen ravens surfing in the air above the buildings. I see them often, hanging out near bluffs or large buildings, playing in the surf of the wind. They’re not nesting, or feeding, or protecting their territories. They’re just playing in the wind for the sheer joy of it.

Joy.  That’s really what it’s all about. I’m thankful for the big things in my life: for health and family, a loving husband, a comfortable home. But life is made up of moments, and it’s the moments of joy that make life the celebration it is.

You’ve seen it. It’s the way a baby’s face lights up when he spots his mother. It’s in the way certain soccer players manipulate the ball, reveling in their athleticism.  It’s the perfect focus of a Labrador on the ball in your hand, waiting for the throw.  

It’s the squeal of a child on a swing, pumping higher and higher until she almost flies. It’s that first taste of a perfect piece of apple pie, of sweetness and spice wrapped in a flaky crust. It’s the satisfaction an author feels when a reader says a story touched her heart.

There are sad and serious things happening in the world and our lives. Always, people are suffering in ways big and small, and we can’t ignore that. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t take the time to experience the joy.

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for the little flashes of joy that happen all day, and for the ability to notice them. May you and yours have a joyful Thanksgiving and a joyful life.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

September Giveaway

It seems the November Giveaway link in the newsletter is sometimes landing people here. Click on the BLOG link on top and the November post will be on top. So sorry for the confusion. -Beth This month, I'm giving away a copy of AN ALASKAN HOMECOMING and a string of hearts bracelet to one lucky reader. (US only, if someone without a US mailing address wins, the prize will be two ebooks). You must be a newsletter subscriber to win. If you're not already subscribed, you can sign up HERE . You must be 18 or older. Void where prohibited.    a Rafflecopter giveaway

October Giveaway

  It's getting cooler, so this month, I'm giving away a copy ALASKAN HIDEAWAY and a pair of fuzzy dog socks to one lucky reader. (US only, if someone without a US mailing address wins, the prize will be two ebooks). You must be a newsletter subscriber to win. If you're not already subscribed, you can sign up  HERE . You must be 18 or older. Void where prohibited.    a Rafflecopter giveaway He traveled 3,800 miles to be alone …but is it what he really wants? Relocating to Alaska after a family tragedy seemed an ideal way for author R.D. “Mac” Macleod to grieve in peace. But solitude feels overrated when Mac’s around B&B owner Ursula Anderson and her orphaned goddaughter, Rory, who’s already bonding with his dog. Worse, he’s imagining a future with Ursula and Rory. Is it time to finally forgive himself?

January Giveaway

 For January, I'm giving away THE ALASKAN CATCH and a pair of fuzzy kitty socks to one lucky subscriber. (US only, if someone without a US mailing address wins, the prize will be two ebooks). You must be a newsletter subscriber to win. If you're not already subscribed, you can sign up  HERE . You must be 18 or older. Void where prohibited.  ........