MAKING JOY

by Shauna Brown 

     While shopping recently at Hobby Lobby, I giggled aloud when I heard a surge of musical sounds coming from a nearby display filled with music boxes, musical toys of all varieties.  I say, giggled because, even without looking I knew it must be my husband Rick, setting each one in play mode.   

       Peeking around the corner I observed him going from music boxes, to musical monkeys and dolls, one by one. It was as if he was orchestrating a non-stop, continuous, magical moment of Christmas. From the looks of it he was the maestro of a Christmas melodic menagerie.  His eyes reflected his enjoyment and merriment. In truth, I wondered as to when the store’s management would come and quietly escort him out the door.  But for those few minutes I stood in glorious wonderment as he created a moment of JOY.    

      Yes, there were those who looked at him a bit oddly and quickly walked away.  Some paused, watched, smiled and giggled at him, as well. A few of his onlookers seemed to wish they could join in the fun.  One grumpy woman looked annoyed. I could almost read her thoughts: ‘so childish!’  I smiled watching a little child stand mesmerized as Rick moved from one toy to another, perhaps thinking, “don’t you touch.”  Rick chuckled as he continued to circle the display enjoying the spontaneous wave of melodies.   

     Upon noticing my observation, Rick looked a little sheepish and quickly stopped.  His greasy grin however, radiated victory.  He had clearly seized a moment to spread some holiday fun. 

     I think I will forever delight with the sound of music boxes, and dancing monkeys. It’s not every day you find a person who is a JOY MAKER.  

     On occasions I may act a touch embarrassed by his unusual antics and ability to create odd and unique moments, sometimes even to the point when I must declare, “He’s just kidding!”   I am grateful for his ability to generate smiles, lots of them.

     Like I said, Rick is a JOY MAKER.  For years now I have awakened to a man who came wired to be just that.  Thankfully, he is well balanced in so many areas of his life. He is grounded in his love of the Lord and serving others.  I have watched him both near and far and truly sense that he is squeezing the most out of each and every day. 

    He realizes:  

                       “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass,  

                        it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” 

      

Or how about this thought, as it truly applies to my JOY MAKER

 of a  husband.  

                        “Life is not about making others happy.   

                 Life is about sharing your happiness with others.”       

    We are taught, “Man is that he might have joy.”  Might is the heavy, operative word, a word filled with choices. It is an opportunity, a chance for all of us, no matter our position in life, our wealth, or social status to find and choose JOY.  I have discovered that practicing the attitude of joy must be practiced in order to become a habit.  I believe with full heart that our Father in Heaven wants us all to be surrounded with joyful moments.   

      So, go ahead push that button, dance to that song, laugh, blow on a baby’s belly, paint the room shocking pink, wear purple, leave a kiss mark upon a window pane, doodle in the margins, make bubbles in the bathtub, splash in a puddle, scream out loud: “I love you!” Eat pizza for breakfast, make a snow angel, become the next JOY MAKER, just because you can.   

       It’s alright to say, “Move over Rick! . . as  I know he is more than happy to share in the fun.  

Enjoy your Sabbath Day!  

Love to all, 

Shauna