Living with joy and refreshment.

Once upon a time there was a man who wanted to bring his wife a little joy and refreshment. He knew they were due for some time alone together, out of the house. As this man and woman were getting ready for their Saturday morning date, their children were playing underfoot. Little bottoms were bouncing on their bed, the girls were asking for a swipe of blush on their cheeks, and the dog was giving them his most dreadful stare. Surely you’re familiar with the scene?

Now, aside from all of this happening, the man made sure to mention to his wife, “For our date, please bring your book, your journal, and your favorite writing pen.” Then he gathered their brood and left the room, leaving her alone to finish getting ready.

Soon the babysitter arrived. Cheeks were kissed and the front door was closed. The couple left their vibrantly loud home in exchange for the quiet of their local library. It felt almost, odd? While he studied and wrote notes, she read words and journaled heart promptings. Together they settled into a new rhythm, just the two of them.

What was it about a quiet atmosphere that made reading so enjoyable? Well, let me describe it. It’s the opportunity for new, healthy thoughts to enter their minds. When people fill their minds with truth, goodness & beauty, it’s easier for life to be enjoyed. For what we fill our hearts and minds with is surely what comes out.

Over time, the man brought his wife on more quiet reading dates. Not always to the library, sometimes they arrived at a tiny restaurant and read over a meal prepared by other hands. Sometimes they walked outside and shared the inspirations blooming from their reading.

Now, it’s important to mention their reading dates weren’t always easy to come by. Some times they really fought for them. They fought for the time to meet and for the tiny walls built between to come down. They pushed through the irritating comments and the tiredness that seemed to linger incessantly. But like the spring season, sure to come after the dormancy of winter, their quiet reading time together yielded much growth.

Life-giving thoughts returned. Joy lingered longer.  Refreshment was easier to enter into.

A new leaf unfurled. Wholeness re-occurred. And once again, they lived “ever after” with joy.

xx, Maggie