Day 60

7/11/22

Two dogs and a tree...

As we were walking this morning, I found myself contemplating the attitudes of the friends on our route. Thinking of the "glass half-full/half-empty analogy, I began to smile...

Suzie: Half-full

4 neighbor children: beyond half-full

Ann: Half-full

John and Sean: Half-full

Tom: Always full!

Sharon: Full to over-flowing!

And the list goes on...

These people, who are part of our daily walks, are happy, content and cheerful. Even though I know they have their share of challenges and heartache, they don't give up on happiness. No wonder we come home with smiles (me) and wagging tails (Lilly, Ranger and Gus). Then, I began to think about what makes them always greet us with such joy.

It's not that they don't have sadness and worries in their lives, but they put those aside to make others feel worthy of their attention with a smile, wave or quick, personal greetings. They make us feel like we matter! What a gift that is!

Which brings me back to "two dogs and a tree"...

The boulevard tree had died. I mourned its passing. The leaves had crumpled up, turned brown and began to fall to the ground. We had even called the city for a replacement.

What I didn't understand was that the tree was having one of those "less than half-full" times in its life. Giving it a bit more time and attention was all it really needed, but I had given up on the poor thing.

My son-in-law and I were walking home after dropping Asher off at "Farm Camp" down at the neighborhood church when Jon said, "Am I seeing things, or are those green leaves on that tree?" We approached and marveled at the new growth. Hurriedly getting the hose, we began to help it to become healthy and whole once again.

That tree and our neighbors helped me realize something today. If you don't give up on a life, if you try to pour as much joy into the glasses of those around you, and if you focus on the wonders in your own glass, life takes on a joy of its own.

Math Lesson in three easy statements:

Don't give up on yourself or those around you.

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Pour joy into the glasses of all who you encounter.

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Be grateful for what you have in your own glass.

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JOY!!! (If you have any doubts, just ask the tree!)