Tell me something happy

Posted by Michelle L. | July 31, 2010 | 52 Comments

It’s been a season of heartbreak. Strolling up and down the streets of my neighborhood I can describe the anguish in one house after the other:

a baby born still

a house under foreclosure after the loss of a job

a teenage son addicted to marijuana

a marriage broken by pornography addiction

the sudden death of a 36 year old father of four

debilitating depression

a sister with stage 4 cancer

a father who abandons his wife and children for the bed of his secretary.

And yet, one fresh-faced, gloriously beautiful family in my neighborhood is spending the entire summer traveling. Their father has taken a sabbatical from work and they are exploring a half dozen national parks and spending long weeks with grandparents and cousins. “I almost feel embarrassed,” Alison confessed to me, “it seems so indulgent to go from one vacation to the next all summer.”

“Oh no,” I replied, “enjoy this summer. Soak it up. Take thousands of photos. You may never have this chance again.”

I’ve watched so many lives change in an instant that I celebrate with anyone who is having a season of peace and happiness (and travel!). I especially rejoice in those who find happiness in the midst of sorrow.

My heart has been eased by a glorious trip to San Diego where my sister fed me delicious meals, romped in the waves with my children and plied me with romance novels.

Tell me something good in your world– a healthy baby, a dream job, a new quilt on your bed– tell me something happy. Let’s celebrate together

Comments

52 Responses to “Tell me something happy”

jks
July 31st, 2010 @ 12:44 pm

I’ve made two new real friends who live here. Friends are hard to come by and they often move away. So it is wonderful to find new ones.
Annette
July 31st, 2010 @ 12:47 pm

Tough to think this way in the middle of a migraine . . .

Got good news that we’ll be filming a 1-hour companion DVD for my cookbook. That’s good news. (It’s be even better if I could lose 30 pounds before the shoot . . .)

Oh, and my daughter had a fantastic b-day this week. Seeing her joy brought me a lot of happiness.
Justine
July 31st, 2010 @ 1:00 pm

I made french toast this morning with fresh strawberries and raspberries that we grew in our backyard. We covered it all with some powdered sugar, and sat down together as a family to feast. It was a wonderful moment.

There’s no point in focusing on all my yucky stuff this morning. I’ve decided fretting over it will just have to wait, because I like the smile on my face too much.
Jami
July 31st, 2010 @ 1:22 pm

Everyone in the family is healthy at the same time, my husband’s job moved to day shift, and it’s been a lovely year for the roses.
Cherise
July 31st, 2010 @ 1:30 pm

A job that gives me hope that my husband will, for the first time in our nine year marriage, work normal eight or nine hour days and be home with us more often. A gorgeous new bigger home with an incredible evening view – we can see three temples from our porch!! (Of course bigger means more work, but I’ll take it)
Mrs. M
July 31st, 2010 @ 1:31 pm

My husband has a new job in a city we love, and we’re buying a lovely house with great schools for our kids.
Ashley
July 31st, 2010 @ 1:32 pm

We are moving with our toddler in two weeks to San Diego, where my husband will pursue his PhD with an incredible scholarship and stipend. Thinking about the adventures ahead puts a wide grin on my face and fills my heart with warmth.
Bonnie White
July 31st, 2010 @ 2:23 pm

This morning after we cleaned the church, I went and cleaned a neighbor’s fridge as they are moving out. Afterward my husband and I weeded for a two hours in our garden. As we surveyed our efforts despite stiff limbs and mosquito bites, we proclaimed with some satisfaction that this yard has become quite lovely. Lilies that we planted are all in bloom. The nanking cherries will make some delicious pancake syrup. The potatoes and onions, beets and carrots will make our Thanksgiving thankful. And judging from those zucchini plants, I am going to have plenty of sharing opportunities with my neighbors. And in a few days, we are going to enjoy some sunshine and water and lots of ice cream.
Alecia
July 31st, 2010 @ 3:20 pm

I took a 3 hour nap today with my daughter while my sweet husband grocery shopped for us. I woke up to a decluttered house by said sweet husband.
Cath
July 31st, 2010 @ 3:32 pm

I watched my husband run through the sprinklers this morning with my three girls. They stood still as the oscillating water sprayed slowly over the bodies. It was the look on their faces, the squealing, theirs mouths wide open. Not sure who was happier – them, or me watching them.

Your Hotel Cali post was beautiful Michelle. It’s good to focus on the joy. We should visit some time soon. Maybe dinner -in August? BTW, Your sister looks familiar to me. So glad you had a rich and lovely time.
Naismith
July 31st, 2010 @ 3:53 pm

I gotta say, I’m impressed that you know so many of your neighbors. I’ve lived in the same house 20 years and only know one or two by name. Most of them, I have never even seen.
Selwyn aka Kellie
July 31st, 2010 @ 4:17 pm

I have a heartful of incredible women who call me friend, and they are true friends to me.

I missed the branch RS activity last night because I was with Wong at his school fair, where we went on rides, won prizes and spent hours together.

Tonight, Hatro comes home from his first ever YM camp. I can’t wait to see his smile again!
Carrie
July 31st, 2010 @ 4:19 pm

I have one of those healthy babies to celebrate! Her arrival kicked off our summer. Sometimes I think I have survivor’s guilt when I think about what my friends and family are going through. So much in my life to be thankful for! Thanks for a reminder to count my blessings.
Andrea R.
July 31st, 2010 @ 5:22 pm

A freelance writing job landed in my lap that will help pay off bills and help us to afford some things we’d like. Plus, it’s a lot of fun.

One of the happiest things in my life, though is my good friends at Segullah that I got to see at the writing conference. Two days together is just not enough.
Emily
July 31st, 2010 @ 6:56 pm

A few weeks ago we went to lunch and I cried thinking about the future…impending bankruptcy, possible cross-country moves away from family, and just general upheaval and stress. Today we went to lunch at the same place and I cried for happiness…feelings of fulfillment, peace about the future, a lovely family. It is truly wonderful the difference the spirit makes.
Laurie
July 31st, 2010 @ 7:21 pm

My wonderful husband just got a job on friday, he graduated from law school in may, took the bar exam tuesday and wednesday and was offered a job on friday. I can’t even express how thankful I am for this blessing, we are expecting baby number 4 in October. I am working, but we need more income. The Lord is truly merciful and generous.
*camille
July 31st, 2010 @ 7:28 pm

OH I luv happiness…espeically for others! i luv how you told your friend to live it up! it takes me back to my junior year of high school when my BFF of the earth got her first boyfriend…all of our surrounding friends just started looking at me sadly, “she won’t be spending as much time with you” “third wheel, huh” “gotta be hard” but to this day i still remember in my heart of hearts being SO HAPPY for my angie! yeah i got ditched sometimes and had to live thru her fun dates & make out sessions (of course they were rated G)…but she was my friend and i was thrilled for her.

tell you something happy…
*there is a for sale sign in my front yard here in denver, and after 12 years of being away from my family…my husband got a job in provo and i smile thinking about my girls being able to celebrate birthday’s with cousins, going trick or treating with nanny & poppy, and lazy sunday afternoon drop bys at my sisters homes.(note:it would be even more happy if the sign said “sold”)

*at work this week i helped delivery a beautiful little baby girl…they named her – daisy – that has to bring a smile to your face.

*i got a new mac computer…

let us always, “celebrate together”
Michelle L.
July 31st, 2010 @ 7:36 pm

I love your replies: the waffles, the sprinklers, the fair, the baby, the new homes, the jobs, the nap, the gardens. Happiness is trickling from my head to my toes.

Keep the good news coming!
Jeanelle
July 31st, 2010 @ 8:10 pm

I’m still basking in the afterglow of an incredibly successful YW camp last week. It was a week filled with fun, challenges and testimony-building experiences for all who attended. So, so grateful and very happy!
Stephanie2
July 31st, 2010 @ 8:38 pm

Well, I don’t have good news (we are dealing with the same economic problems many others are dealing with right now: job loss, house that won’t sell). BUT, I have learned a great truth during this time: the Lord loves me no matter what.

I used to think that the Lord loved me because X. Some blessing in my life was proof of the Lord’s love. The problem with that logic is that there is always someone else who the Lord loves who didn’t get X. For example, my baby survived the illness because the Lord loves me? No, because someone else’s baby died, and the Lord loves them, too.

I was pondering this when I watched the movie “Facing the Giants”. I identified with the couple when they were sitting at the table dealing with the reality of all the disappointments they were facing (potential job loss, infertility) and wondering why the Lord was letting this happen in their lives. It is a particularly powerful moment when the woman goes to her OB and gets another negative result and walks out to the car and looks at the sky and says, “I will still love you”.

Anyways, my favorite line from the movie goes something like this:

We will praise Him if we win
We will praise Him if we lose
Either way, we will honor Him with our actions and our attitudes

I thought that was very poignant. So, that is my good news for the day. I have learned that the Lord loves me even when I get to deal with a lot of crud in my life.
Tasha
July 31st, 2010 @ 9:05 pm

I discovered this lovely song today:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kX1uaflYyY

And I’m blessed with so many favorite people in my life :]
Jen
July 31st, 2010 @ 9:22 pm

I was a youth leader with my husband for a stake youth conference today, and the young people blew me away with the strength of their spirits. They are awesome!
Shellirae
July 31st, 2010 @ 9:30 pm

A morning serving at youth conference, weeding a 2 acre garden, an afternoon moving from temple to temple with the youth doing work at each one. Interacting with good young people who put a smile on my face, including my daughter. Knowing the names and stories of everyone in my neighborhood, 3 square blocks. Dinner with friends, a beautiful purple sunset, and pink and orange sky peeking through my window at sunset. Hard work and hard play, and people to make it all worthwhile! You have to store up the good times.
Jen
July 31st, 2010 @ 10:02 pm

Hope came to me and is still here.
the mrs
July 31st, 2010 @ 10:11 pm

giggling gaggle of teen girls – who used to fight and hate on each other – going to a movie & then coming home to do homemade facials
and stay up way into the wee hours (I wasn’t even slightly upset when they woke me up a few times)

a four year old swimming well without water wings

natural opportunities to share the gospel in a nonakward way
FoxyJ
July 31st, 2010 @ 10:27 pm

I’ve also got a lot of friends who are dealing with heartache and I feel like it’s keeping me from enjoying my life more fully. Hard to balance the mourning with others and graciously accepting our own blessings.

Our happy news is that my husband just got a promotion at his job that gives him permanent status and a little raise. And his company just started offering benefits so we don’t have to hassle with paying for our own insurance any more!

My small happy thing that I’m enjoying is a free bottle of laundry detergent that I got in the mail to try for a month. It’s the good kind that I don’t usually spend money on, so I’m loving doing my laundry for the next few weeks
Michelle
August 1st, 2010 @ 2:24 am

We just returned from a vacation in the mountains, where the beauty at times nearly moved me to tears. The Lord created quite an earth for us.
traci
August 1st, 2010 @ 5:23 am

my husband is working more than usual and still takes times to do fun things. we have gone to 2 movies in a month. One was for our wedding anniversary. we had never been to the movies, either one of us, in years and never tog. Special moment.

my house and garage are decluttered after a year with flylady.net

we cook out regularly

my husband encouraged me to take a Botanical Illustration course – it was hard and interesting and wonderful – and i can see a lifelong endeavor from it

we all each other here – at segullah!
embee
August 1st, 2010 @ 8:14 am

Due to a desperate emotional problem with our youngest child – we decided that we had to move closer to family about 6 months ago – even if it meant losing almost everything. We are facing bankruptcy and our salary has dropped by 1/3 but life is so good. Our baby (who is a teenager) is slowly finding emotional footing with leaders who have experience with the problems she deals with. I know Heavenly Father loves us individually. So many people have been led to our path on this journey. In spite I of the difficulty, we feel love and understanding. I could make a long, long list of wonderful blessings that have come to us since we made this decision. I think I hear my journal calling me.
Eliana
August 1st, 2010 @ 8:55 am

Baby’s first day at nursery today–what could be better? I will be thinking with an eye toward finding blessings today after reading this.
Amber
August 1st, 2010 @ 5:10 pm

Church was good today. I had a lot of help.
I got to thank someone for their help- and be thanked for doing something for someone else. It’s just been a nice day.
Conifer
August 1st, 2010 @ 6:13 pm

I’ve been married 5 years and have two kids. We’ve lived in apartments out whole marriage and we’re about to move into a house! It’s still rented and it’s only 800 square feet with one bedroom, but it has a washer and dryer, a dishwasher, a fenced yard, and no neighbors living above, below, or next to us! I’m ridiculously excited.
Conifer
August 1st, 2010 @ 6:15 pm

Oh, and one other thing — my husband nearly got hit by a suburban going about 60mph yesterday (probably would have killed him) but they swerved just in time. He doesn’t have a scratch on him.
jendoop
August 1st, 2010 @ 9:18 pm

I went to the temple in Manhattan for the first time this week with a wonderful group of youth. We went there because the DC temple was closed because of a power outage. At the last minute we changed plans and went to NYC, got in and out of the city in under 4 hours, and only paid $7 for parking!

There are no longer diapers in my grocery cart. I am so happy potty training is over!

I am blessed to be a stay at home mom and be with my kids during the summer when they are out of school. Wednesday we’re going to the Jersey shore!
Angie
August 2nd, 2010 @ 12:32 am

Stephanie2 – that is my favorite line from that movie, too! I totally agree with what you said. God bless! (Even if that means that it’s time for trials, growth, faith, pain, and prayer.)
cristie
August 2nd, 2010 @ 5:43 am

i have a cat sitting and purring on my shoulder.

a grandchild sleeping in a chair next to my bed.

crickets chirpping outside.

a week of weddings.

a testimony.

a long happy marriage.

so so much to celebrate.
Dovie
August 2nd, 2010 @ 8:59 am

My sweet Benjamin boy was baptized Saturday. Along with his cousin Simon and their buddy Jim. A most excellent day.
Karen
August 2nd, 2010 @ 9:18 am

Celebrating 25 years of marriage.
Paula
August 2nd, 2010 @ 11:38 am

A friend, her husband isn’t a member, will be sending her son to the MTC tomorrow. I’m thrilled beyond measure for this family. I’m grateful for her example and the example of her son. I can’t wait to see what the next two years will bring!
nesquik405
August 2nd, 2010 @ 12:34 pm

After a long, rough adolescence, my daughter is coming to church again.
JennR
August 2nd, 2010 @ 1:27 pm

My husband’s grandfather, age 87, got to meet our little baby boy for the first time yesterday. Our boy is the first great-grandson who will “carry on the family name.” It was a really special meeting of four generations!
sunny
August 2nd, 2010 @ 3:21 pm

Just got back from 10 days of travel, camping, cousins, and fun with my husband and four kiddos.

Spent our anniversary camping in Bryce Canyon (which we really, really loved since we met and dated while working in the wilderness).

Took my two oldest kids on their first real roller coaster and spent 11 hours riding rides together.

Spent Saturday floating the river with my husband and really great friends. Ate burgers at Big Judd’s afterward. And ice cream cones. Mmm.

Honey whole wheat bread going in the oven right now.

Going on a bike ride to the snow cone shack for FHE tonight.

My life is blessed with rich and varied friendships. Each one fills in a distinct spot in my heart.
Johnna
August 2nd, 2010 @ 10:20 pm

Had to gas up the van in an unfamiliar neighborhood. The debit card didn’t work so I had to go inside to pay the cashier. I was at the King’s Union 76 in Redwood City.

I had noticed that besides the usual three choices of gasoline, they had “racing gasoline.” Octane 100. $6.40/gallon. I asked the guy rerunning my card, “racing gasoline, really?”

Really. So I got my preteen son out of the van so he could talk car with the guy behind the register. My son recognized the episode of Top Gear playing on the little t.v. above the drinks cooler, immediately establishing his interest. The other customer was telling us there aren’t many places around here to buy racing gasoline: a place nearly an hour south, another place across the bay. The guy working there asked my son about his favorite race cars and why, and he told us about some of the cars he’d personally seen getting gas here, including a Bugatti Veyron.

I got a ticket driving home. Sort of a perfect day.
Marintha
August 2nd, 2010 @ 10:51 pm

Awesome story Johnna.
Cissy
August 3rd, 2010 @ 6:45 pm

The kids have been playing happily together all afternoon.

I got to talk literature with a sweet neighbor for a few minutes today.

I have decided on paint colors for my hallway and dining room.

It finally rained this week.
Ellen
August 4th, 2010 @ 3:27 pm

I’m going on our ward campout at Camp Joseph in Sharon, Vermont this weekend. I can’t wait to read, relax, hang out with good friends, play games, eat a foil dinner and s’mores, and enjoy beautiful Vermont.
Robyn
August 5th, 2010 @ 12:46 am

My 4 year old had been having a bad day. When the sun began to set and lit up all the clouds to a bright pink, I told her I had ordered those pink clouds just for her. The part that made me the happiest? She believed me.
Jennie
August 5th, 2010 @ 7:02 am

We’ve had a summer full of nothing. No lessons, no vacations, no sports and I have loved every minute. We’ve just hung out and learned to play new card games and went swimming a lot. (It’s made me realize how much a I hate our normally super-scheduled life.)

We went to visit the oldest operational cotton gin in the US (about 90 minutes away from us). It was beyond fascinating. I love history. I love good tour guides. And I love that I have air-conditioning and don’t have to pick cotton.
Melonie C
August 5th, 2010 @ 11:57 am

THUNDER and LIGHTNING for two days straight! This is heaven.
Linn
August 5th, 2010 @ 2:41 pm

After unexpectedly feeling prompted to share a health struggle I am going through, I have been blown away by the response. Some in public, some in private, but every single one has astonished me and brought me to tears. I had no idea in this world that so many cared. And am still in awe of the depth of their caring.

There are good people in this world. SO many good people.

I still can’t get over how blessed I am.
Sage
August 6th, 2010 @ 10:05 pm

Michelle–thanks for this post. Rejoicing together is a lot of fun. Mourning together brings comfort, but we need these reminders of happiness.

Someone mentioned survivor guilt. I can relate.

Here’s a partial list of happy things in my life:

my friend and I are having an art show in October–we both haven’t painted for about five years. But I’m halfway done with my first one for the show.

My girls were motivated to clean their room by the promise of painting a stool.

We saw a movie together. My toddler didn’t cry too much, fall down all the stairs she climbed and no one complained about me following her up an down the stairs for half the movie.

My three girls. My two boys. And we spent our first 3 yrs doing fertility treatments.

I got to go to the Segullah writer’s retreat!

My home is getting more organized (Traci-I’ve been trying to flutter with flylady for almost 10 years!).

I had a wonderful epiphany about the atonement on Sunday. Its reality struck my heart with a joyful force.

My husband is getting to start his own online animation school in a couple months!
Ooops. I best end now cause I could go on and on.
Stephanie2
August 7th, 2010 @ 10:42 am

Update to my comment 20: my husband was offered a really, really good job.