Little Lessons
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11-12 NKJV)
Everyday life has taught me a lot of things over the years. It has filled me
with hundreds of little lessons that have brought so much laughter into my life,
love into my heart, and joy into my soul. Here are just a few of the many
wonderful bits of wisdom that life has given me.
When raking leaves in the backyard always rake them into a big pile. This makes
it easier for you and your children to jump and play in them. Shoveling snow off
the driveway isn’t complete until you make a snow angel, build a snowman, and
have at least one snowball fight. When mowing the lawn always leave a clump of
dandelions or sweet clover standing for the butterflies to enjoy. You will get
tired of playing fetch long before your dog does, but you should still play
anyway. An empty lap is far less happy than one that has a cat, dog, or young
child sitting on it. A clean house isn’t always a happy house. The best homes
look lived in, laughed in, and loved in. It is hard to give away a smile. It
almost always gets returned to you. Arms are meant for hugging, hands are meant
for holding, and lives are meant for living. You can’t give too much love or
share too much joy. The more love you give to others the more love you have in
your heart. The more joy you share with others the more joy you have in your
soul. If you are too busy to watch a sunset, play with your kids, read a book,
listen to music, or gaze at the stars then you are just too busy period. We can
create Heaven on Earth or we can create Hell on Earth. It is our choice. I much
prefer Heaven on Earth myself.
One last thing that I have learned is that God loves us more than we will ever
know and that God wants us to be happy in our lives. Why else would we be down
here learning these little lessons about life, love, and joy? I hope that you
have a lifetime of happiness learning yours and sharing them with others.
Joseph J. Mazzella