Hi There!
Every time I look at this little guy, whom I’ve named Hugo, I smile. He is sitting on my desk night and day and whenever I walk into my office it’s as though he says, “Hi there.” So I respond with a “Hi there to you too, Hugo.”
This small ritual seems kind of silly now that I see the words in print but actually it has helped me feel cheerful during this time of sheltering and distancing and masking. Of course I have my prayers and meditation and devotional reading to keep me serene but it’s been fun to see a smiling face each morning–even if it’s made of wood.
Hugo also doubles as a back and hand massager in moments of stress. And it’s a reminder of my husband Charles who bought it for us to share.
As I look around my office I see many little items that cheer me on a dark day and steady me on an ordinary day–a framed bible verse, a picture of my favorite animal, the otter, a photo of my dad and me taken on my 50th birthday, a map of Ireland, land of my beloved ancestors, a little bluebird statue that says “God grant me serenity,” and various writing awards, as well as a thriving plant.
During this strange time in our society I’m finding bits of satisfaction and comfort in some unexpected places and from some unexpected sources.
So I’m living one day at a time and enjoying whatever surprises come my way. God always knows just what I need–even my little desktop companion, Hugo.
How about you? Do you have any trinkets or special items close by that bring you comfort–especially when life feels uncertain?
“My purpose is to give you life in all its fullness.”
John 10:10
Isn’t it wonderful how some small thing like Hugo can give us a pick-me-up during these isolating times. I think I need your Hugo for a shoulder massage about now! But I have some photos and a tapestry in my office that lift me up – one photo I took in Hawaii of multi-colored surfboards standing up against a fence. That picture always brings back happy memories of a lovely time Don and I shared in Maui.
Thanks for reminding us to appreciate the little things, Karen!
Thanks for sharing the things that comfort you, Carol. I remember the look of your office and the special hangings on the walls.
Thanks Karen for sharing. I only have my picture of cute dogs hanging on my wall that I got at a flea market decades ago. My daughter was little at the time & she said “that’s mommy/daddy/Shawnna. Of course she’s in between the two & it really sticks out too. Thanks for the reminder cuz little things does matter & comfort us in many ways.
Thanks for sharing what you treasure, Andrea. The hanging on your wall sounds really cute.
I have so many little things in my bedroom on my dresser, end tables, on the wall that remind me of wonderful friends of many years ago. They mean so much to be and realize more and more what a wonderful life I have had and I give thanks to God, who provided these friends and some of the gifts were given during a time of great need to help me through some sad times. Good memories are healing and I have many! Thanks, Karen. Love, Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. I love the way you are always soooo thankful for your life and all of God’s gifts to you.
Thank you for sharing about little things that bring you joy! I too have a little fuzzy panda bear, my favorite animal sitting near my favorite chair that brings joy to my day. He greets me every morning with his smile, at the end of the day he smiles as he gets all set with his favorite blanket. Just a little silliness brings a smile to my face, positivity to the day before I have my devotions in the Bible, spending time with my Lord Jesus. Well, God is full of smiles,too, isn’t He!
Thanks for your delightful response, Joan. I’m smiling at you along with your little panda bear. Stay well and keep smiling. God is with us for sure.
Hi Karen,
Thanks for keeping me up to date. I love your books for seniors, especially now that I’m older! I miss not seeing you.Remember our lunches at Erik’s Deli?
We moved back to Marin County five years ago, and I’m still doing some writing for Guideposts and the newspaper. Hope all is well and that I’ll see you again sometime.
Blessings,
Sandi Olson
Sandi, so nice to hear from you again. Thanks for your encouragement. I do remember our lunches at Erik’s. Good times. Glad you are still writing for Guideposts and the newspaper.