"But who's gonna make ME happy?"

A couple of weeks ago, Julie's husband Brian had a job assignment that was going to involve him for 72 hours straight, so, much to our delight, Julie decided to come over to our house for part of that time with her four youngest children.  Some extra helping hands for her, a change of scenery for the kiddoes, and a chance for the grandparents to play with and spoil the grandkids.  Win-Win!

On Saturday morning, Steve had to work, but the kiddoes were clamoring to go to our neighborhood pool.  It was WAY too hot to just "go outside and play," so we certainly couldn't blame them.  The challenge was making sure that all four -- ages 1, 2, 3, and 5 -- were properly sunscreened and watched carefully every second of the time we were near the water.  Bear in mind that Julie was a certified lifeguard once upon a time, but her Mom is a non-swimmer who herself uses a "flotation device."  Notice no pictures are included of that particular sight.  :)  So maybe you get the picture of what we were facing.

We noticed pretty quickly that Penelope, the 3-year-old fully-attired in a Puddle Jumper, seemed to prefer to stay near the steps in only a few inches of water and was showing no signs of bravery (or risk-taking, depending on your perspective).  Sam, the 1-year-old, wanted his Mom in sight at all times, but the other two -- completely equipped with floaties -- were venturing out a little more and showing little fear of "the deep," even though neither of them are actual swimmers.  So, I said to Julie, "You keep Sam happy, and I'll keep Maggie and Rosie happy."  She said, "Sounds good."  But, a few seconds later, a small voice at the shallow end said, "But who's gonna keep ME happy?"  Julie and I looked at Penelope, then at each other.  We got a good chuckle out of her words and assured her that we were both watching her, too, but the spiritual implication hit us both and we said, "Now which of us is going to blog about this first?"  Ha!  Well, I've given her several weeks, so I guess I'll go first.

Out of the mouth of babes.  Look at this blonde cherub.  Wouldn't YOU want to make her happy?

In her childish innocence, wasn't Penelope saying what we ALL find ourselves at least thinking, even if we aren't honest enough to say it?  Don't we all look around our "worlds" and wonder who is going to be responsible for making US happy?  I'll go ahead and confess.  Even if I haven't voiced the words, I'm sure I've conveyed that message to Steve many times -- "Aren't you going to make me happy?"  And, sadly, I've observed family members who took no responsibility for finding/making their own happiness.  They just waited around bitterly for others to give it their best shot in trying to make them happy.  The results weren't pretty.

Whether or not we choose to be happy people is not a matter of circumstances.  It's a deliberate choice.  God has always done His part by provided us countless blessings.  His Son Jesus certainly did His part by dying on the cross and being resurrected on the 3rd day to pay the penalty for our sins and to provide the way for our salvation and for us to have eternal life.  He even said, " I have come that they (referring to His sheep) might have life and might have it abundantly." (John 10:10)  We have all we could ever need to be happy.  

Penelope is three.  She's still looking to her parents for security, and she's in the beginning stages of learning about God's love and His plan and provision for her life.  She's off to a great start.  She seems very content to explore and discover on her own, and she's developed quite a reputation for her secret escapades in the middle of the night.  I have no doubt that Penelope will be a "glass half full" kind of child and adult.  I want to set a good example for her of a person who is content and joyful and happy and who doesn't depend on others or circumstances to create those feelings in my soul.  I have started being more conscious of surrounding myself with positive people, of laughing more, of savoring times, "moments," and occasions, of sharing my thoughts when I believe they will be encouraging and uplifting.  And, I really want someone to say at my funeral, "Connie Pearson was a happy woman.  She didn't wait around for someone else to make her happy.  She was happy deep inside."  Am I 100% there yet?  No, but that's one of my goals.  What about you?

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."  Psalm 19:14