“Joy to the World” an Invitation
I think most of us would agree that there could be a lot more “joy” in the world. It certainly has not been a very joyful year for many thousands of people who have faced the tyranny of hatred, war and global greed. Given all of this, it is very easy to lose hope and desperately wonder – how can I possibly make any positive difference?
A man walks along a beach littered with thousands of starfish washed ashore by a storm. He sees a young boy picking them up one by one and throwing them back into the sea.The man tells the boy, “Don’t you realize there are miles of beach and thousands of starfish? You can’t possibly make a difference!”. The boy pauses, picks up another starfish, throws it into the waves, and replies, “I made a difference to that one”. – “The Star Thrower” by anthropologist and philosopher Loren Eiseley (1907-1977).
Your invitation to bring “J.O.Y.” to the World:
1. J – is for Joy – a very wise lady once said – “Joy is always present. Joy does not leave us. We leave joy”. During this holiday period remember we have this choice. So even if it’s very challenging, let’s choose Joy.
2. O – is for Others. Let’s be in the spirit of the season and remember others who are less fortunate than ourselves. Do something to lift their spirits. Like the starfish story above it can “make a difference”. “Be the change …”
3. Y – is for Yourself. Nourish that which lifts your spirit. Do something you love to do. Walk, talk, sing, play, write, swim, run, read, explore, rest, watch an uplifting movie! Let the beauty and joy that is within you shine forth. In-lighten Your Day!
In-Joy, Sean