Joy to the World

As I travel throughout the province these past few weeks, I see the landscape changing before my eyes. The dark and gloomy days, that are associated with fewer daylight hours, have been transformed by what we call Christmas light season. Thank goodness, most people actually waited until December before lighting up. It is interesting to see the conglomeration of different colors, approaches, and the level of detail that people put into decorating their homes. I love to see the lights and colors, and it brings happiness during a season, where joy is supposed to be the theme. Unfortunately, many are unable to embrace and feel the happiness that Christmas brings. I remember feeling like this many years ago, but I made a conscious decision to start seeing the glass half full instead of always dwelling on what was missing or what was wrong with my life. Just yesterday, I had the chance to celebrate Jonathan’s 18th birthday in Fredericton. He and I and Daniel enjoyed supper while talking about the happenings at University, complete with the challenges, frustrations and the fun, that living away from home brings. Much like the gift given to all of us over 2000 years ago, by the arrival of a child, these children too, bring joy and happiness to my life. They have helped me to understand how the circle of life comes around to bite us before we realize what is going on. They have brought joy to my world that money, nor treasures, could ever replace. Children are the greatest gift given and like the Christmas lights, they brighten our world every time we see them, depending on what we see. Makes me want to sing “Joy To The World”. How ironic.