Helping grownups find joy in difficult or sad times (yes you can, children!)

Hello my friends of the Omschool! I'm talking specifically to children in this post. You have probably heard growups talk about all the bad news in the world. And that can be very scary. I remember when I was 5, in 1969, hearing about terrible things that happened to some people in a place called L.A. (Los Angeles, California). It was extra sad because it happened very close to my birthday. 

I felt scared then and sometimes even as an adult I feel scared, especially for my dear grandchildren and you who I think of as my friends too. I think lots of grownups feel scared and worried sometimes. They probably feel sad, like Teacher Omi, that we can't fix all bad things. And neither can you. But it's okay, my dear children. We don't have to. All that is asked is that we try and do our best to be kind, helpful, loving and joyful. And when we can't be those things, to say sorry and keep trying. 

Did you know it's okay to be happy even if bad things are happening? It is. I promise you. We're not happy ABOUT the bad things. We are happy just because, in spite of bad. If you believe that God loves you and I do, we can feel good to be alive. Not everything in your life is perfect. I know each of you lives with some things that are hard or sad or maybe even bad. I'm sorry for that. I wish I could fix it for you. I hope it  helps to know that you are not alone. That someone cares. I care. 

So today, just for today, let's look for things that make us smile. You could go for a walk. Teacher Omi and Opi (grampa) went for a walk on the beach yesterday. It was cold and rainy and so pretty. I took  my shoes off and ran through the wet sand. I admired a dog's big paw prints. I watched a grownup swing on a swing.  I dipped my toes in the very brr-chilly Lake Michigan water. It made me smile and then laugh! 

It made Opi laugh too! And that's another fun thing about finding joy. You can spread it to other people. You don't HAVE to make them smile, it's not your job. But you CAN share what makes you happy. And maybe it will make them happy too. When I was little, I liked to go for walks to the same beach with  my Opi Kinney. We would collect rocks, shells and driftwood. This made us both happy. 

It makes me happy now, and it makes me cry a little to remember times with my Opi and Omi now that they have gone to be with Jesus. It's okay to cry too. Sometimes, would you believe, an adult's tears come from joy? We're funny like that, aren't we?  So today, wherever you are, I hope you find some time to dig up some  joy treasure in your world. Whether you live in a hot desert in Israel or a cold tundra in Russia or an apartment in a big city. Whether your home is in a nice neighborhood in Cleveland, a little beach town in Muskegon or on a bayou in Louisiana. Or a farm. Or in a subdivision. There are wonderful things for you to discover, just for the looking.  

I would love to hear about the things you see and hear and find on your walk. You could leave a comment and picture if you like. It would make me smile to see you smile. Love is a circle, like that. What goes around, comes around and back to you! Here is a song about that explains this beautiful process, which you might like to sing on your walk. It was written by Carol Johnson a very nice lady I was lucky to meet. It's called "Love Grows One by One"

Blessings and peace to you, dear children! The picture is Omi and Opi exploring a pier and lighthouse!