This is one of my favorite pictures of my grandson. The joy on that kid’s face is such a delight. Just looking at this picture makes me happy.

It makes me wonder what I can do to make something laugh and be childlike even when they are no longer a child.

Days are getting shorter and the darkness and gloom can be depressing. When we were looking for houses the realtor never mentioned that this or any other house was north facing. In Hawaii, it kind of never mattered.

We loved the character, that there was a first-floor bath and laundry room, that the bedrooms were large enough for king beds, sorry, the guests got a queen, and that we could walk so many places. We never considered how much sunlight we’d get. The answer? Not much.

When it’s sunny and the temps are okay, I am outside. I’m walking the dog or on the patio reading or gardening. It’s like I think I can store sun for guard against the winter gloom. It doesn’t work that way.

This year I am going to endeavor to be like Lucien, the kid on my cover photo. I’m going to find reasons to laugh and to help others find that joy.

We’ve changed the lighting, painted the walls colors that are brighter and welcoming, and we’ve done all that can be done when you live in a north facing home.

I’m going to leave this photo up here for a couple of months to remind myself that joy isn’t about the direction your house faces, if you are rich or thin, or seem to have everything under control.

I love this quote from Henri Nouwen. This is how I am going to endeavor to live my life. Even when it’s dark and gloomy and I feel trapped inside.

“Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let’s not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.”