WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY

 On Monday, I wrote a short story titled, Messy Cookie Monday. My story was about a disastrous day making and baking cookies. I am proud to say, that this evening, I finished all the cookies, and the flour actually stayed in the bowl!  And now for Wonderful Wednesday.

I had a great Wednesday, and since I already mentioned the fantastic baking day, I thought I would share how a trip to the Palmer Park Mall filled my heart joy.

The definition of joy is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.  Although I try to find joy every day, it’s not always easy. Especially after I read the morning newspaper, or listen to the news. But nonetheless, I am optimistic and always on the lookout for things that make me happy.  Sometimes, I have to look a little harder, and sometimes, joy finds me every time I turn a corner.

 Early this morning, my husband, Rick and I went to the Palmer Park Mall to do a little Christmas shopping. Rick walked the mall while I pushed my little buggy with my list in hand around the store. As I was walking back to the children clothing section, I passed two older ladies. One was pushing a wheelchair, and one was riding in it. They were looking at holiday sweaters. I must admit, that I veered off my list when a cute top caught my eye. Since I was pretty close to the dear ladies, I could not help overhearing their conversation. I was intrigued by the kindness shared between those two gals. The one who pushed held up the same sweater in a variety of colors while the one who sat, commented on each one. They were having a good time, trying to decide which one would look good on the one who pushed. Then a lovely couple stopped to talk to the two, and it turned out that the ladies were actually sisters. Sisters who were up in age.

 How refreshing to see how they reacted to each other. Realizing the two were related filled my heart with joy for the love those two had for each other.  It was so evident.  As I shopped, I met up with the two more than once. And they were still smiling and enjoying their time together. One pushing the other and one sitting interlaced with love.

A bit later, as I stood in line to pay, I notice a small group of disabled young men and women shopping. They were busy picking out gifts for family members. Their helpers were very patient with them and helped and encouraged them as they searched for the perfect present. How wonderful for those handsome young men and pretty women to have the opportunity to shop for their loved ones. It warmed my heart and brought back memories of my first year of teaching a Life Skills class. As they walked past me, I could see the happiness each wore on their face. It touched my heart.  Joy was present as I watched them walking and searching.

Finally, as I was ready to walk out the door, with my packages in hand, I saw a little girl about the age of four shopping with her daddy. I overheard him asked her what she wanted to buy ” Mommy?”  She answered, ” A beautiful necklace.”  It warmed my heart to hear the little girl thinking of her mother in such a loving way.

As my husband and I drove home, I thought about the people I saw at the mall and could not help but smile. Joy is everywhere. It has a way of finding us, even when we are shopping at the mall.

Dear Readers,

I wish you joy this Christmas and every day. Happiness has a way of finding us. Just look around the corner, and be ready for something beautiful!