On the sideboard in my front hall sits a ceramic container full of acorns. It is more than just a fun fall decoration. It is a reminder to look for the little joys in life. Finding moments of joy—and being grateful for them—helps us remember the good times, find meaning in the mundane, and get through the tough times. My jar of acorns reminds me of finding a spark of joy in the midst of a difficult time several years ago.
My mother was at a rehabilitation facility, recovering from spinal fractures. Much of my time was spent there. When I was not with her, I carried the awareness that she was in nearly constant, severe pain. I tried to advocate for her and get her some pain relief. Finally, a doctor upped the dose of one pain med and added another. Her pain immediately lessened. But now we had a new problem. She was loopy. One day she told me the staff was trying to poison her food. Another time she called, saying she had been left alone in a warehouse. She thought it was noon. After I recovered from the shock of being awakened by the phone, I assured her she was still in the rehab. facility and the reason it was exceptionally quiet was that it was actually midnight. An hour later, the phone rang again.
Summer turned to fall. Mom’s meds were adjusted. Her back was healing. There were intense discussions about what would be an appropriate living situation after discharge. One day as I left the facility and walked toward my car, I was contemplating the fact I would not be a frequent visitor there much longer. I gazed around the parking lot. Oak trees surrounded it and the pavement was covered with acorns. Acorns are such cute little things, with their little beanies on top, which come off as they dry. I thought of squirrels gathering them in the woods. Then I got a bag out of the car and began gathering them myself. They were a small, free gift. Acorns for the taking. I brought them home and smiled as I put them in a place where everyone coming into my home could enjoy them.
I encourage you to be alert for the little moments of joy in your life—especially when joy seems hard to find, for it is on those days we need it the most. Some people like to keep a “joy journal”. Some snap photos. You can find inspiration in one of my favorite books, Ann Voskamp’s, 1,000 Gifts.
What moment of joy have you had today? Scroll down to post a short comment.
Jenny Shute
21 Oct 2018What a great reminder! Where are the oak trees you describe? I need oaks and acorns for a painting I’m doing and they sound perfect.
admin
23 Oct 2018Jenny – You are the person who told me about the book 1000 Gifts. I’ll email re. where to find acorns! -JB
admin
24 Oct 2018Here are some of my little joys lately:
The glow as the sun shines on the golden leaves of the Eastern Redbud tree outside my window.
The sound of waves splashing as we sat outside at our friends’ beach house.
Silent encouragement on a day I wasn’t feeling well: I glanced across the room at our dog. She looked back at me and wagged her tail.
Out on my paddle board, probably the last time for the season: the serenity of the small lake, the fall colors, the afternoon sunlight dancing on the water.
Would you share some of your little joys?
Jenny Shute
24 Oct 2018A few of my little joys:
Texts from my grown up kids saying they love me.
Hiking on a trail covered with yellow, orange, and red leaves, then looking up to find the source of pounding above us and seeing a woodpecker busily attacking a tree trunk. Thankful he is in the woods and not outside my window!
Meeting up with my college roommate for the first time in years and discovering we still have much to talk about.
Watching our friends’ one year old scurry up the stairs, then laughing as she glances over her shoulder to grin at us.
Eating when I’m hungry, sleeping when I’m tired, and taking a shower when I’m sweaty. Lol.
admin
25 Oct 2018Thanks for sharing your little—and not so little—joys! So much to be thankful for each day. I especially appreciated the last line, as we so often take those things for granted, but quickly realize how important food, rest, and a shower are if they’re not readily available when we want them.
Eve Curtis
29 Oct 2018I have one tiny acorn in the bathroom on the counter. I do not remember where I got it but it makes me happy when I see it. Goofy to some but my moment of joy that can not be explained.
admin
29 Oct 2018Thanks for sharing. Acorn-lovers of the world, unite! ha.
Maryann West
7 Nov 2018My most recent little joys brightening my world:
sunbreaks during rainy days
the sound of my 2 yr old granddaughter’s voice as she tells me a story only she can decipher
the heat from the fireplace as I read on the couch
the kind and understanding words of support from a friend
the tiny ring dish in my bathroom with the hedgehog painting and the words: If I didn’t have you as my mother, I would choose you as my friend
my hairdresser finding new hair growth in balding spots
Look for the miracle in every day, and you will find it… Thanks for this post!
admin
8 Nov 2018Wonderful to read of your little daily joys. Thanks for sharing!