Playing With Balloons
March 25, 2009
When we went to our friend’s 2 year old son’s birthday party, we were looking forward to meeting and mingling with every one of our new and old friends. As we reached and entered the hall, the aroma of the good food and the smiling faces welcomed us. The guys circled up in their own group and started talking business while the ladies admired each others’ pretty dresses.
As we were talking, my attention went off to the children playing. I just love watching children, how true they are in their expressions. In every good or bad thing they show it wholeheartedly, without holding anything back. Just like that, they were playing with those red, green, blue, and pink balloons. They were enjoying it so much like there was nothing on this earth more fun or adventurous. All of their hearts, minds, and strength were engaged in playing with these balloons. It was so precious to watch how they held these balloons to their little hearts when they were trying to catch their breath while running.
It reminded me of how as adults we are offered so much in life but have lost all the gratitude. We take many things for granted over time and lose the enjoyment. For example, if we are on our dream vacation, we waste most of the time thinking about our financial situation, taking many pictures until it becomes stressful, and rushing everything to see all the best places. Likewise, when the promotion position at work we always desired is finally granted, all we can think about is what tomorrow will bring, rather than enjoying today. Furthermore, we even press on for a more successful life.
Why can’t we focus on enjoying the simple things in life? Just like the children playing with the balloons. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend quality time with the growing children instead of chasing success all the time? How about lying on the cool grass daydreaming or looking at the clouds, even if you don’t get your dream vacation? What about taking pleasure in the rocking chair on the front porch to get away from the cares of life?
In addition, somewhere along the way, while growing older we forget to take time to enjoy life. We must not forget that this is the only life we have and when we start enjoying the little things in life, the big things will come naturally.
In Search of Happiness
November 29, 2006
Give a gift to someone for no reason.
On purpose be kind to people.
Take time and encourage someone who needs it.
Anonymously pay for someone’s meal at a restaurant.
Buy groceries for an individual in need.
Smile at people you meet or pass by.
Be quick to forgive.
Compliment someone on their talent or good attitude.
Laugh like you mean it, get loud.
Live like you can die today, become a friend of God.
She Won’t Stop Doing Good
July 6, 2008
On my first job when I worked in a retail store, they had overstock during Christmas. My co-worker let me purchase some items as low as fifty cents. It was perfect because I couldn’t afford to buy nice things for my cousins and relatives with the kind of money I was making.
I bought a lot, but still there was more left. Besides, I didn’t know if my teen cousins would like the things I picked out. So, I called my aunt and she came to the store right away. My co-worker wouldn’t let her enter the room and my aunt insisted on talking to her, herself. My aunt explained that she knows many families she can help if she is allowed to purchase the items. I was surprise when my co-worker agreed with a smile.
As we reached home, a four year old boy who lived across street came over. He had no socks and no jacket on in freezing weather. My aunt pulled out a new pair of socks and put a new jacket on him that she just bought from the retail store. She gave him the full package of socks and said, “Richard, I don’t want to see you without the socks and jacket on when you are playing outside.” By this time, these things were common to see in this home. Moreover, children loved hanging out in my aunt’s house. Sometimes, she had to ask them to go home and she would say, “Go home, you don’t live here.”
If all this was not enough, one day we received a call from the neighbors’ house. Richard’s mother stated that she had to take her husband to the hospital because he had a minor stroke. So she left her three children for my aunt to babysit. My aunt cooked some food and decided to leave it at their house before they returned home. When we entered their house it seemed as if it had never been cleaned. There was garbage everywhere! There was an open loaf of bread on the floor and cat litter next to it.
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