Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Are You Happy?



Parenting is a huge job that is often filled with stress from schedules, school, work, and more, but the rewards are so sweet. Of course I love to hear my children tell me they love me, receive an unexpected hug or kiss, read their notes to me, but I think my favorite times are when I see or hear them happy. Sometimes when we are driving, Bryn will be chattering to her brothers and they will get the giggles. I love to hear her cute little voice bossing her brothers and their silly responses. When I hear them laugh and see their smiles, it is a contagious happiness. The pictures above were taken while we were waiting to be seated in a restaurant. Bryn and Blake found happiness playing a hand game. Do you find it strange that so many adults are pursuing happiness and never finding it? I wonder why? Here's my thoughts - the reason children respond happily to hand games, blowing bubbles, and other small, seemingly insignificant things is because of their quickness to forgive and their innocence. Children can play, get mad at each other, and five minutes later are playing together again. If you want real happiness, you must let go of anger, bitterness, and forgive all offenses. Next, smile. A smile is the first step towards happiness. Give your spouse, child, friend or loved one a smile. Maybe even tickle their ribs or dance them around the kitchen. Happiness won't be found in expensive toys, jewels, homes, cars, but it will peek at you through innocent, seemingly insignificant moments.

19 comments:

  1. True, true, true. And maybe it's also a little bit because they don't know so many rules. They haven't broken people into quite so many categories. They just love and forgive. Ah, to have a child's heart.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great post, Jana! I agree wholeheartedly. Nobody can make me laugh or smile like my children can. You are so right about how kids seem to be able to forgive so readily. Maybe that's part of the reason Jesus mentioned "except ye become as little children." By the way, I saw the picture of Bryn on Sister Buxton's blog. Just gorgeous! Hope you have many happy moments with the kiddos this week.

    Love,
    Carol

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sis Allard, This is so true. Just yesterday, Caleb was sad because his friend made him upset and he did not want to play with him. Yet this morning as I was dropping him off at school he could not get out of the car quick enough because he saw that same friend at the school gate and as soon as we pulled up his friend started waving and calling for Caleb. Their disagreement of yesterday was quickly forgotten and they were anxious to get together and go pal around on the play ground before school started.

    Oh that we could become as little children and be so quick to forgive and lay aside every weight and sin that doth so easily beset us. Hug one another and smile awhile and give our face a rest. Life would be so much more pleasant for us all wouldn't it? Great Post!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Most significant post. Only wish all parents would give to their children what you and Brian give to yours - Love, Peace, Joy and Happiness (just to name a few).

    ReplyDelete
  5. Where do you buy Bryn's clothes? That skirt or dress is adorable! And...the one she was wearing when she sang SO PRECIOUSLY at Ladies Conference; where did you find that one? I'm going to be sad when she grows up and you can't "dress" her anymore. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Helen - I like your thought about "rules." My dad used to say, "The least governed is the best governed." Rules stifle and are made to be broken.

    Carol - aren't kids wonderful? I wish you could have heard Bryn at ladies conf. She was part of the theme presentation. She was so cute.

    Jolene - I don't wanna grow up. LOL

    Karen - thanks for your comment.

    Tena - welllll, I buy Bryn's clothes everywhere. There are a few online shops I like and also E-Bay. The black/pink skirt and the red one, were from a shop online. They are Belle Ame pettiskirts. I like to mix/match things to create unique ensembles.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That was a really good post, and really true! I wonder why it gets harder to forgive and just be happy in general when you get older. By the way, I love your kids red hair! It stands out and is so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  8. "The least governed is the best governed."--very good quote.

    Being around children during Sunday School and the bus route has taught me PLENTY. There's no need to stress, hold grudges, or be angry. After all, children learn those horrible traits from the wonderful adults in their lives.

    Chandra

    ReplyDelete
  9. Parenting is a challenge with a capitol C. I have learned that our most effective parenting is happening when we aren't even aware of it. My children have been most strongly impacted by things I don't even remember doing or saying!

    I love you and thank you for your constant encouragement to me.

    Your friend,

    Janiver

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a great post Sis. Allard!

    Your children are adorable, but your little girl is just soooooo cute! Now that I have two boys and am not planning on having any more, I guess I am going to buy a tutu/pettiskirt for myself! LOL (Now that would be scary!)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Jen - It was nice to hear from you again. Adults tend to carry too much baggage and kids leave it. I think that is the big difference. Thanks for your compliment - I love the kids hair, too. :~)

    Chandra - I know every Sunday is a learning experience. Those kids never cease to amaze or surprise. However, you must always remember they are forever learning from you. Hopefully, your example will help them work past their difficult home life.

    Janiver - I feel honored to have you comment on my blog. Thanks for dropping by. You pointed out such a true thing - our kids learn more from our actions we don't remember. What a huge responsibility we have!

    Monica - You are too young to decide you don't want more kids! I was 41 when I had Bryn and she has brought so much joy to our family. So keep the option for more. Of course, if you never have a girl, they do make pettiskirts in adult sizes. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh, Sis. Jana! I typed in Belle Ame in Google search and found this website: http://www.pettiskirtplace.com/
    What CUTE skirts!!! Wish I had a daughter. LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Tena - www.girlygaloreboutique.com is another great site. BTW, there is a site that sells the pettiskirts in adult sizes. :~)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks Sis Allard, it's always good to stop by! =) And by the way, I would really love to hear from you on my blog if you have a chance to stop by sometime! =)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Jen - certainly. I'll be right over.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Jen - HELP! I said I would be right over but when I click on your name it doesn't link. How do I get to your blog?

    ReplyDelete
  17. Uhhh...yeah, I'll wear one with my cowboy boots and hat! LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Tena - and then swing your partner round and round. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  19. Just go to my mom's blog roll and click on "My Daughter's Blog." Hopefully that will work!

    ReplyDelete