“I’m singing in the rain,
Just singing in the rain,
What a glorious feelin’
I’m happy again.
I’m laughing at the clouds
So dark above
The sun’s in my heart.”
And then a lot of doo-dloo-doo-doos.
It’s a catchy, happy song and before I know it I’m snapping
my fingers and moving my feet.
And I’m happy again.
January in Kelowna, British Columbia is a dreary and cloudy
place. We live in a valley; hence the
clouds cover the mountaintops and a dark blanket covers the Okanagan
basin. January 2017 was not a good month
for me after the death of my beloved Jack, so I am trying very hard to create
new memories and feelings for 2018.
This week as I drove home with the rain/slush hitting my
windshield, I felt the gloominess creeping in.
Then I remembered the song, “Singing in the Rain!” I started to sing and
before I knew it was doo-dloo-dooing and tapping my steering wheel. When I
pulled into my garage I grabbed my grocery bags and bounced into the house.
Yes, I know happiness depends on our circumstances and joy
comes from our glorious hope within. Joy is our assurance that we have an
eternal hope in Heaven and that God is involved in every detail of our lives.
But some days we just need something to make us happy. Bouncy. Singing.
Especially for us writers behind our computers during these long winter months.
I challenge each one of us to make intentional efforts to
doo-dloo-doo through this cold and gloomy month. I’m creating new memories in several ways:
·
I had my Bible Study group into my home for a
potluck dinner and afterwards we made bead bracelets. The camaraderie and laughter was contagious.
I went to bed full and happy.
·
Get above the clouds. I’m going snowshoeing this
week to find some blue sky and fluffy snow.
Again it’s best to do it with friends who light a fire within us.
·
I’m going to see a musical, “Sister Act.” Now
that will make me happy. How about you, is there a live musical near you? You’ll soon be tapping your toes.
·
Have people into your home for a game of
cards. There is sure to be a truckload
of laughter.
·
Do a puzzle or a paint by number.
·
Read the books that have been laying by your
bedside for years.
·
Simply taking a long walk and breathing in fresh
air and new hope, always refreshed the soul and recalibrates our thoughts.
The Bible says: “This is the day that the Lord has made, let
us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 TLB)
God is a good Father to us and He desires that we live our
very best life. Some days are harder
than others, especially when we are reliving grief and darkness. But there are
ways to lift our spirits. I’m determined to be happy again and God is helping
me every step of the way. Doo-dloo-doo-doo.
Her latest book RESTLESS FOR MORE: Fulfillment in Unexpected Places
(Including a FREE downloadable Study Guide) is now available at Amazon.ca;
Amazon.com, Goodreads.com or her website: www.heartconnection.ca
3 comments:
Oh Heidi! How I can identify with you. Even though it's two years since my Paul died, this year with snow-storms and a bad back keeping me house-bound, I had a greater struggle. The idea of 'Choosing Joy' came from a facebook entry and I grabbed onto it. Cleaning a few shelves on the anniversary of Paul's death, I came across a picture of a smiling him I forgot I had. It caused me to remember the joy we had and the day was one of thanksgiving instead of sorrow. So count me in, I'm doo-doodling right along with you.
Heidi, your joy breaks through cloud and rain; it sparkles and dances with infectious delight. Ruth's and your experience show the gaze-raising, spirit-elevating value of always looking to Jesus, "the beginner and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross . . ." (HebrewS 12:2). Thank you. ~~+~~
Heidi, I agree there are many ways to rise above the clouds during these dreary months.May God continue to keep you in good spirits with these activities and happy thoughts. Singing in the Rain was one of the first movies I ever saw and it has remained in my memory.
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