JOY IN THE ORDINARY

 

Sometimes we want to have the “big” things in our lives.

A major event or special vacation, or even visits from

Special friends or relatives. These are all good and

Usually very enjoyable. But do we have to wait for

That big event to keep us filled with joy?

Recently the concept of joy in the ordinary has 

Filled my thoughts and made my life more fulfilled.

The little, everyday, ordinary events have brought joy;

Not the joy that overwhelms me, but rather a joy of living .

What do I mean when I say that I have contentment?

I think of all the ways my life is filled with joyous contentment..

The hug from Mary while I am sitting at the computer;

The cheery comment, telling me all is well;

The hugs from daughters and granddaughters;

The greetings from grandsons to hesitant to hug!

The daily calls from my oldest child, just to check in;

The emails from our children far away and the

Loving questions from a daughter close at hand,

Asking how I am doing, or if I need encouragement.

How can I not say, “All is well, I have all I need.”

Children are such a wondrous blessing,

I am privileged to have them in my daily life.

My contentment touches me in many other ways.

The birds that sing just outside our door;

The squirrels scampering across our parking lot;

The flowers blooming so brightly on our yard,

And the various blooms that make our balcony sparkle.

The sun shining brightly through our windows,

The moon at night brings special joy.

The smile from a stranger as we pass each other;

Friendly, helpful clerks at our local store;

The gas attendant who cheerfully fills my car’s tank;

 Our friends who call us, just to chat,

Or maybe suggest a time to meet for coffee.

The greeting from the person next to me

As we sit together at our church.

My joy in the ordinary parts of life include the 

Mundane actions that fill my days.

To sit at my computer writing what my mind suggests;

To have Mary sewing or quilting right next to me.

To chat as we make meals together,

Or also as we plan the meals for the week.

We sit together and check our calendars for any 

Special events or meetings that we cannot miss.

Such actions may seem very ordinary and mundane,

And duplicated in may homes across our land.

They bring much joy because my joy is shared.

With someone who loves me and seeks to make

My life much better than it was alone.

To have a loved one to walk alongside life’s pathway,

Is truly what makes a life fulfilled and worth the living..

Aging: Frustrations and Joys

Sometimes I sit and wonder why my body

Does not match my thoughts of youthfulness.

My body says I am old and pain comes with that aging.

I often think about the active life I’ve lived.

The joys of soccer; the racquet sports that kept me fit!

But when I sit because of pain that hinders me,

I must recognize my body’s message to me.

The pain frustrates me, but then I am reminded of all the joys

I have in life; a loving family and so many friends.

A church family that too keeps me in tune

With what God is telling me for my present age

And not to dwell on what once was!

I have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis

My doctor stated, “There is no cure, learn to live with it.”

I used to walk a lot; now not so much.

My cane goes everywhere I go; 

Recently I left it,thinking all is good,

But when I walked back to the car,

My legs gave way and I tumbled, between the car and curb!

I have scrapes and bruises, and ribs that hurt.

How foolish–and now I know that a cane is a must.

Sometimes a walker is even a better choice, 

It sits in the car, ready to be used, but pride comes in the way 

And I try to go it all alone–not smart!

I have experienced many times of grief; 

Losses that have complicated my life 

And overshadowed any joy and gladness.. 

But after loss comes gain–and now I have a new partner

Who brings joy and makes my life complete again.

 The joy of sitting on our fourth floor balcony,

Where we focus on the things around us;

We watch the birds, the squirrels, and the rabbits.

We marvel as the birds swoop down 

And flit around the feeder meant for them.

We watch the comings and goings of the cars and people.

So glad that we can just relax and let the world go by.

I no longer have the energy of my soccer-playing days,

But God, our Creator, is so very good to us.

 We have everything we need to have a life of joy

My brain still works even though my legs are weak.

I am so blessed that Mary and I are able to challenge each other

As we work on puzzles or word games that test our minds.

Or have frequent conversations around the books we’ve read.

I am learning to be thankful in all things, because

We cannot let the past control today. 

Our life is different from the pleasures of the past.

We thank our God, our Sustainer, who makes each day

A day of joy and wonder and thankfulness for all we do have.

I LOVE THE STREETS OF THE CITY

 

My recent blog about the joys seen in nature reminded me that my life has revolved around city life. I love sitting in malls, observing the beauty of the buildings all around.  I wrote this poem as a reminder that God created humans who, in turn have the creativity to build such beautiful structures.

I love the streets of the city

The buildings, tall and stark

Against the azure blue.

So thankful that our God

Has given gifts to diverse builders,

Who beautify the cityscape.

 

The beauty of each building

Brings awe to my heart

To think that God provides

The intellect for beauty

Such as what the city gives

To us, as we walk its streets.

 

Thank you God for such gorgeous

Beauty all around.

We are humbled as we

Think about the building,

And the builders, who gain

Inspiration from you, the Divine Creator

 

Chorus:

God, thank you for our dwellings

Built by humans but dedicated to you,

Who has given inspiration to us all.

 

The Joy in Nature

 

I have been writing for quite some time, but realize that I really have not

allowed the joys of / in nature to come through in my writings. I want to change that,

because nature has given us so much joy, so much wonder and so much peace.

Our world, politically, may be a mess, but the creatures of nature go about their

days with carefree abandon. This brings me joy.

I  see joy in the little rabbit scampering 

Hither and yon seemingly without a care. 

I see joy in the birds up on our deck;

The chickadees full of joy as they flit about 

Until they land next to the food provided.

I see joy as I watch the pileated ‘pecker

Swoop in to make room for themselves at the feeder.

The beauty of the striking red crest,

And the shiny black body with a streak of white.

I see joy as the tiny hummingbird flits back and forth

While sucking in the sweet nectar made just for them.

I see joy as the flowers flutter in the wind;

As the whites and reds mix with the violets, 

And the green spikes wave lazily with joy.

I am filled with excitement as I see the many 

Ways the lives of nature around me bring 

Such wonder, excitement and satisfying joys.

CAUGHT FOOLING AROUND

My grade nine was the start of my Chilliwack High School experience. I had numerous friends who also were in my class. We would spend time together during the period breaks, and consult with each other concerning our classes. Were they enjoyable; were they tedious; did we learn new facts? All the teachers were new to us, so any advance information would help each of us determine our attitude and actions.

Our science teacher, Mr. Orme was rather laid back but did provide us with many facts about the world around us. Mostly we enjoyed his classes. Then one day he needed to excuse himself from the class in order to pick up some work sheets from the office. He had neglected to get them before our class was to begin. 

We knew this would take a number of minutes, more than just a quick walk down the hallway. The office was at least three minutes away, so this meant no teacher for about six to seven minutes.

What an opportunity to spend some time “playing”. One of the class members had a large orange still in his desk–the perfect item for playing catch across the aisles. A number of us immediately took up the challenge and tossed the orange forth and back over the heads of the other students. Soon we had to throw the orange high enough so others in the middle rows could not catch or deflect the orange.

What fun for us grade niners! Until–. It so happened that I had just caught the orange and was getting ready to toss it. Until, the principal looked into our room. Mr. Orme had, of course, left the door open to prevent any foolishness.

The principal, Mr. Halcrow, saw what I was attempting to do, and immediately asked my name. I hesitantly told him. He did not come over to where I was sitting, but spoke loudly enough so the entire class could hear. After I told him, he immediately linked me to my sister, who had just graduated. 

“You have an impeccable tradition to follow.You should be ashamed of yourself. Your sister would never consider being involved in such unacceptable behaviour. I expect better from a Brandt! See me in my office after class.”

My punishment–cleaning all the grade nine chalkboards.

I have often wondered about this situation. Could I not be my own person, unfettered by one or more siblings? I was the fourth Brandt to be at the school. Therefore, I am sure that Mr. Halcrow knew of our family. Then too, why did he not ask whose orange it was; or who had thrown it in my direction?

I am not sure whether I no longer did such foolish things, or whether I just became more adept at hiding the tomfoolery. 

My learning experience at Chilliwack Senior Secondary was excellent so possibly my foolishness was re-directed into more positive activities!

 

 

 

 REMEMBERING MY GRANDPA THIESSEN

When I am down and somewhat frustrated with life,

I might even say discouraged, because my body

No longer functions as I wish it to,

My thoughts are drawn to my Grandfather Thiessen.

A man who suffered tragedy after tragedy,

And endured much more pain than I have ever known.

He was born in 1869 in South Russia, now Ukraine.

His early youth seemed fairly normal, although

He left school at age fourteen to help the family.

Then in 1891 he married Anna Schellenberg,

They had ten children; six survived, 

But the mother also died, leaving Grandpa 

With a large family to take care of.

Grandpa married again, a widow with nine children.

Together they had one son, and then

The mother succumbed to the Spanish flu.

Then Grandpa married once again,

To another widow with children.

Alas, she also died, leaving a family

That needed care and attention.

Another marriage brought a fourth wife 

Whose children were already grown.

They built a home together in Clearbrook,

But soon Grandpa was alone again.

Imagine, four deaths within some forty years!

I find this hard to fathom; I’ve lost one spouse

And still mourn at this loss, but four times!

Not only had my Grandpa suffered many losses,

His health was failing; he had diabetes

Causing near blindness, this plus the loss of hearing

Made his life far from comfortable.

My parents moved in with him for there he knew his way,

My brother and I moved as well–not happily, I might add.

I was finishing grade eleven and wanted to stay in Chilliwack

To graduate with my long-time friends.

But that was not to be, and so we moved.

I changed schools, made new friends and survived!

My Grandfather had a red bench next to the back door. 

He sat there often, seemingly without a care.

And yet, when I came home from school

He patted the bench, indicating I should sit with him.

He asked me about my day; he spoke of things

That were a concern to him.

He did not wallow in his many losses.

He spoke optimistically about his present life;

Grandpa had that sense; he knew when things were going badly

And wanted me to have full-body armour of joy.

He has been gone for many years,

But in our entryway sits that old red bench

And on the wall a picture of Grandpa on that bench.

Each time I sit on that red bench,

I see Grandpa, and I know he has wished, and still does 

Wish, the best for me–a life of joy and richness.

Friends Close at Hand

 Back in June, I wrote a blog about life-long friends. These friends truly are precious. They have, for some seventy years, supported me in various ways–visits, emails, phone calls–and have managed to include me in so many activities.However, friends from long ago, and far away, do not replace friends, friends close at hand. Friends from long ago and friends close at hand together round out my joy and love. 

As we age, we realize that our friendship circles become smaller and smaller. Friends with whom we had weekly coffees, now are unable to join us–either because of lack of hearing, or reduction in mental acuity or physical handicaps. Some have died, making the circle even smaller. 

We are thankful for the group that meets monthly, usually at our condo. We meet to discuss a book that has been read prior to the discussion time. This group has functioned since the 1990s although the membership has changed throughout the years. We are grateful for this discussion group.

Relationships are a significant part of our lives.  We need connections, whether from afar or from close at hand. A group that has become vital to our well-being is a group of thirteen with whom we study an assortment of themes.This group has functioned for some years, but it was only recently that I became part of this fellowship. Mary and I have been calling it “The Rainbow Group” because most of its members are experiencing,  and are supportive of, gender diverse people in their families. We have grown to love each one for they bring a different perspective. For this we are truly thankful.

We truly have been blessed. We have lived in numerous places, and in each place we have discovered individuals who have made our lives so much better. In California, we were invited into the family circle and became life-long friends. One particular couple drew us in. They considered us their younger siblings. In Pennsylvania, even for the brief time we lived there, we made some dear friends, and spent numerous hours together. In Richmond, BC, we again found  individuals who made us welcome and considered us close friends. In these places, and in others, we made some precious, life-long friends.

Such relationships are vital for our mental health. We wonder how this attitude towards friends came about. Does a similar belief system create the climate for great friendships? How important are church connections for closer friendships? Does proximity count?

We have pondered this numerous times. Although we had good friends in early high school days, most of those individuals have dropped off our radar. The friendships developed so many years ago (see earlier blog, “A Tribute to life-long Friends”)have shown us how to love. Those precious friends taught us about making room for others. This has gone with us throughout our lives. How can we enlarge our tent to include people that we do not know? The lessons learned some seventy years ago, somehow have permeated our lives, and no matter where we have lived, significant relationships have been developed.