Splashes of Joy

I had the most wonderful lunch with Joanna. She reminded me of why I blog and the beauty of friendships that come from blogging. I'd rather not dive again into something that is now considered the past but I will say this....I'm breathing again now that the elephant in the room no longer exists.

I had attended a Woman of Faith conference years ago, with my partner in crime, my twin sis. While browsing the speakers tables, we walked towards a table that smelled fragrant, like flowers. The table was covered in what looked like iridescent water drops. The speaker was an author, Barbara Johnson who wrote many books, namely one that stands out...Splashes of Joy in the Cesspools of Life. The water drops were what she called "splashes of joy" and she generously handed my sis and I one.

I carried that splash of joy in my pocket...as a reminder to find joy in everything. When moments would get stressful, I would reach in my pocket and feel the "splash of joy" and remember to feel the joy. I went to the craft store and found more to give out. If I found someone that had tough things going on in their lives or even a person that was continually joyful, I'd hand it to them, explaining the significance of the splash of joy.

When my daughter went through a difficult time of sleeping and being afraid of the dark, she'd put her splash of joy under her pillow so that when she would wake up, she'd reach for it to remind herself that there is joy even in fear.

I think that now is the perfect time for me to reach for my splash of joy. I need that reminder daily.

Do you have a splash of joy in your life...a reminder to be joyful, happy or to relax?

Comments

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said…
CHOCOLATE...Did somebody out there say "chocolate"??? Just one of many obsessions. I retired Special Ed. to have time to work on getting at least one of the seventeen childrens books I've written. I have experienced what a difficult business it is to break into. I shortly became wrapped up in elder care with aging parents and out-laws. I'm ready for the rejection letters to fill my mailbox once again and would appreciate any pointers you have. Congrats on your book and I pray it will be followed by many others. I enjoyed my read through your blog. 'Wishing you a blessed week-end!!!
August 28, 2009 at 9:06 AM
Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said…
Thanks girl. Also, thanks for dropping by and as Granny Clampett would say, "ya'll come back now, ya hear!!!"
August 28, 2009 at 9:55 AM
Anne H said…
Get rid of that elephant and all it represents.
Good for you!
August 28, 2009 at 9:57 AM
Heart2Heart said…
Have you ever thought of sharing those little "splashes of joy" and think of perhaps selling them???

What a wonderful gift it would make to someone who really needs that lift in their otherwise hopeless day.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat
August 28, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Joanna Jenkins said…
Thanks again for a great lunch yesterday.

I love the idea of splashes of joy under your daughter's pillow. How comforting that must have been for her.

I know splashes of joy are everywhere, sometimes it take a reminder like yours to stop and actually see them. Thanks.

xo
August 28, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Julie D said…
I'm here getting caught up on my blog reading. I've been a bad blog friend lately!!!!
August 28, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Ina in Alaska said…
How wonderful you got to meet Joanna. I just began to follow her blog and she is so interesting and I just loved her 3 chapter story about her marrying her hubby twice. A question I would have asked her is this:

About the house in Ohio, did her mom leave up the bannister with the fingerprints???

BTW I did reply to your question about the golf courses in my comments... so I hope you checked it out.... xoxoxo
August 28, 2009 at 12:48 PM
ethelmaepotter! said…
Splashes of Joy - what a wonderful idea! No, I can't say I have anything similar, but I sure could use one right now. Last night at work, all we could talk about was that story in the news about the little girl who had been kidnapped and safely returned home - what, 18 years later, after suffering repeated rapes and giving birth to two of this monster's children. Then, I get a phone call from a person I dearly love, telling me of HER own ordeal with repeated rapes at age 14, something that has, of course, tortured her for almost 40 years, and which she can no longer handle. She is at the breaking point and...oh, so much is involved...anyway, the whole thing has me wishing for some splashes of joy to give and to put under my own pillow.
August 28, 2009 at 1:01 PM
ethelmaepotter! said…
Sorry, I didn't mean to drag everybody down. I just have a lot on my mind right now, and my heart goes out to those who need splashes of joy in their lives.
August 28, 2009 at 1:02 PM
Justine said…
I love the idea of this especially if you really can find comfort in it. But, I don't think it'd work for me!

Justine :o )
August 28, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Elle Bee said…
What a lovely idea, and how comforting, kind of like a reminder to pray.
Elle
August 28, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Liz Mays said…
My kids are my continual splashes. They are such sunshine to me!
August 28, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said…
My grandkids are the biggest splashes of JOY EVER..
August 28, 2009 at 6:09 PM
Buckeroomama said…
Mine is more a "crunch" of joy... I turn to chips. Not exactly profound, but they serve the purpose all the same. :)
August 29, 2009 at 6:59 AM
The Peach Tart said…
I have a crystal that I touch to remind myself to have more joy and gratitude.
August 29, 2009 at 7:05 AM
tiki_lady said…
i love that! it would make a great lesson to pass on! thanks for sharing. my splash of joy!
August 29, 2009 at 10:49 PM
Lilly said…
You had lunch with Joann - I am jealous. Hope you both had a good time and glad you ae breathing again. I have had a lot to catch up on. I like Herat2Hearts idea.
August 29, 2009 at 11:38 PM
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