Finding Joy

 This week, as I watch a number of my beloved institutions struggle with change, I have been trying to counter my sadness by searching for joy.  Monday was the last day of Volunteer Coordinator at the Botanical Garden whom I love, the woman who was the heart of their volunteer program, had her last day.  I was very sad to have this happen in addition to all the difficult changes that will be coming in the Propagation Program.  And it was the last day for one of the two volunteers in our Monday section.   Last week some time, Lew, the Garden Director, stopped by as he does to chat and said he was looking for a phrase to capture the Garden experience.  So I’ve been thinking about that.  What came to mind immediately was Joy.  I further thought about Joy and came up with Finding Joy.  Lew changed it to Embrace the Joy.   So Monday, I suggested to the volunteers in my section, after we do the minimum necessary work of plant tending and stocking of the sales deck, we go out into the Garden and just have a stroll around.  I wanted to Find the Joy.  And the good news is, I found it, in a beautiful flower we ooo-ed and aahhhh-ed over, in the evident joy of my co-workers just being in the beautiful Botanical Garden.  I thought it is really important to seek Joy in my days.

So I’ve been doing that this week.  Yesterday as I was out to lunch with a friend down on the beautiful 4th Street, I found joy in the company of my friend, hearing what she has been up to.  She’s so humble and such a wonderful giving person.  I feel fortunate to call her my friend.  The meal was outstanding.  We chatted with the young couple sitting next to us who had a 8 week old baby with them.  It was a joy to hear about their family, to hear how happy they are in the glow of new life in their family.  Then later I went for a long walk with a walking buddy.  I found joy listening to hear tell of all her adventures, kayaking in the Delta.  I even saw pictures of her new love.  

Last night we went to the Director’s Reception at the Botanical Garden.  I don’t know how we got invited, but we were happy we did.  It was a lovely party just to thank us for our support of the Garden.  The catered food was more than ample for our delicious dinner.  There was a live string group playing happy music.  Everyone there was in a good mood.  They even had activities for us to do on a stroll through the Garden.  I have been finding joy everywhere.  Liam brings joy whenever he comes to visit.  He and Arne came on Sunday (the third Sunday this month).  Liam has been building and putting together a 3-D wooden motorcycle for Bob.  It is amazing to watch his focus and his incredible ability to follow the pictures to build this motorcycle.  There were 420 pieces!  Such joy when he finished it.   I truly believe joy comes from an artesian well deep within  me, but is invited out by my choice to recognize it.  The world is full of all things.  I want to embrace the joy of my experiences.