First of all, I have to say how happy I am for my cousin Markell and her family! Markell and her husband Clay have been seperated for it seems like forever--Clay joined the military many months ago and has been away at training ever since. He finally was able to reunite with his family last Thursday. The pictures of the reunion have made me cry--I know a little about what it is like to be seperated from loved ones, but I can't imagine months away from my husband. Markell is so strong--I'm thrilled for her!
Secondly, I'm a bit on the weepy side today. I had my weekly staff meeting this morning with the Residence Life central office staff (I have a million staff meetings each week, but this is the big one). Before we begin, we always have a staff development activity. This week Jimmy R presented it. We all had to give an example of something that has brought joy to our lives, then an example of how we have given joy to other people.
The first one was easy. My husband, my kids, watching Kalyn and Keali play nicely together, etc. The second one, not so easy. Especially being in the depths of depression at the moment. How do I give joy to others? I also think it is in most people's nature to not automatically realize the happiness (or at least not to brag about) they bring to other people. I ultimately decided to talk about the special time I spend with my children. Both together, and seperately. I know it makes them happy (here I go crying again) to spend quality time with me. I wish I had more of it.
This exercise also reminded me of a blog I follow--created and kept up by another cousin, Cheryl. It is called Abiding Joy, and you can follow the link on my sidebar. It focuses on how we can create and enjoy the JOY in our lives. It also talks about the things in our lives that hinder joy. I find the blog inspirational, so if you haven't looked at it, please give it a shot. I love it.
Happy Thursday everyone!