That’s great Rusty! Thanks for posting. You’re right about positive thinking.

I'm remembering the recent story of the family out for dinner, saw someone looking a bit down, invited him to sit with them, he demurred, but thanked them for their kindness as he was leaving ...and paid for their dinner. Sometimes (often?) a kindness offered begets others I talked to a few in the grocery store(s) just now, there were some smiles, not much more or less a shrug of the shoulders. If we can put a smile on the face of someone, it often adds joy to the day. Usually when I make that comment following a smile, people agree. ole joyful

The minister of the suburban church has been suffering problems with her neck for most of a year and there's a possibility that it can't be treated sufficiently for her to resume her career. Our former minister, who achieved her doctorate prior to her retirement from this congregation a few years ago, recently made a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago in France and Spain and has referred to it on recent Sundays as she led worship. Recently her sermon titles have been "Joy happens when ..." and today's title was "Joy blooms wild and bright" and she challenged us to build on new and worthwhile, interesting ways of living, and to build in joy while doing so. Guess who was paying close attention. We collected a number of gifts for residents of a local housing complex for disadvantaged people, where their chaplain told us that many of the residents come to stay for a while while they are putting their lives back together, then leave to make room for others trying to achieve stability. Good wishes for embracing some rediscovered joy as you journey through this week. ole joyfuelled

A few weeks ago I thought of a humorous message to offer to strangers in public. I tried it when near a line of folks waiting to check out at a small convenience store in my local village. I asked in a voice a bit louder than usual, "Do you know one of the good things about masks that no one ever tells you about?". When someone asked, "What is that?", I replied, "Nobody can see the wrinkles!". There was some laughter and some smiles. I've tried it several times since, usually in the grocery store, sometimes swinging an arm toward them, with open hand outstretched, or sometimes doing a little jump up from the floor. Usually there's some laughter and smiles, and often someone offers a comment. A few have said, "That's a good one! I'm going to use that." "Go for it - it isn't copyrighted". Sometimes a short conversation ensues. A simple stress reliever during a time that's been difficult for many. I'm more fortunate than many: have been on government pension for 25 years, so have not been sweating blood over discontined paycheque, and have lived alone for over 40 years, so have become rather used to that. Can come here and squawk at you folks when I feel pressured: thanks for putting up with that. ole joyfuelled