Canada has a multitude of “snowbirds”, Canadians, who fly off to sunny warm southern United States cities and towns. I have heard stories of the joy of exchanging our frigid Canadian winter with its snow shoveling and cumbersome coats and boots, for sun drenched beaches and daily games of golf. This year Tom and I have joined the migration. As Anne Murray sang, we have spread our tiny wings and flown away. We have flown to Johannesburg, South Africa, not to escape the Canadian winter really, but to visit my son, David, daughter-in-law, Joanne, and granddaughter, Jenna.
Before I left, I read about “The Butterfly Effect” in Madeline L’Engle’s book, Glimpses of Grace. Scientists believe every time a butterfly moves its wing, the shift in energy is felt the world over. In other words, everything we do, every breath we draw, affects the world. We have the choice. We can ADD to the world’s goodness by spreading beauty and joy, or NOT.
I have chosen to use this experience to add to the world’s joy through my blog. As I travel, I will endeavor to notice and share the moments when Tom or I or someone else makes that choice for goodness and joy.
Here is an example. Our Dave, Joanne and Jenna have glowed with pleasure at sharing their passion for the animal kingdom by taking us on safari. The animals have added to our joy. Two of the zebras we saw particularly touched my heart. They were like a pair of teenagers, standing nose to nose, side by side. It was neat.
I suggest that you stop your busy life and notice the moments when someone makes a choice for joy in your world. It could be a teacher at school, a neighbour’s child or your own, or something you, yourself have chosen to do. Notice these moments. Let them soak into your soul. Feel the good vibrations that have come to you. Set them free to filter out into the world, and bring a small spark of light in the darkness.
St. Paul tells us, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things… And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9)
To follow Janet Stobie’s trip to South Africa go to www.janetstobie.com.
