Occasions Of Joy

     You may have noticed, Gentle Reader, that I’ve been trending somewhat away from the political / current events crap and toward...well, just about anything else. There are reasons, of course. Foremost among them is that I’m near to despair over it all and find that I must direct my attention elsewhere if I’m not to haul out the Barrett M82, the twelve-pack of Yoo-Hoo^® and the emergency package of Oreo Double-Stufs^® and climb the nearest clock tower.

     There must be reasons to take pleasure in life. There must be celebrations, satisfactions, games, pastimes, and simple moments of relaxation and contentment. “Life is not a dress rehearsal.” – Paul Hogan. God designed human life as He did because He wants us to live it as it stands, not to turn it into a marathon of fear, suffering, and lamentation. That’s my major beef with the Church’s doctrines about “mortification:” It contradicts God’s Plan as expressed in the bodies, minds, and souls of men.

     Jesus turned huge barrels of water into a most excellent wine entirely for the sake of the wedding celebrants at Cana. Remember what He said just before He did as the Blessed Mother asked? “My time is not yet.” When Mom put the screws to Him by telling the servants “Do whatever He tells you,” He knew He was “on the spot”...and He came through big time.

     So the C.S.O. and I have been concentrating on finding and luxuriating in our occasions of joy. As it happens, we have a four-footed one that provides us with an ample selection.

     The newest member of our furry family, Newfoundland puppy Joy, is about five months old. She’s a continuous delight in all ways...well, maybe not when she wakes us at 2:00 AM for a trip outside to relieve herself, but nearly all the rest of the time. The purity of her delight in things too simple to express is a reminder of the joys of childhood, before we became obsessed with money, careers, opportunities, advancement...and the news.

     A case in point: Joy likes yogurt. A lot. Especially Stonyfield’s Whole Milk Vanilla. (Hey, I like it, too.) And she likes it best when she can immerse herself in the yogurt-eating experience. That happens about once every three days. Herewith, a few photos of the most recent occasion:

     First, we have Joy becoming alert to the approach of yogurt:

     I get mine first, of course. (Hey, having opposable thumbs entitles me to some privileges!) Joy waits her turn semi-patiently:

     Ah, but when it gets here:

     Then there’s the afterglow, which the C.S.O and I consider particularly memorable:

     These have been just a few moments of joy with Joy. I provide them in the hope that they’ll cushion you against the effects of the national news. Do have a nice day.