Joy -- A Lesson From Puppies

Just when you think you know a little something, you get whacked with an ounce or so of humility, sometimes in the form of joy. And that's what Andrew and I got today; a reminder of the joy life brings. You see, we were at a dog show this weekend and started thinking about winning being the important thing. Then, just before our ring times today, the Newfie puppies were in the ring -- three young lads just having fun. They were kind of geeky and one was off balance a bit. But what each of them demonstrated to us was the joy of just being there. And therein was the lesson. I must remember everyday to understand how lucky I am to have Puppy as my mate. He makes me whole, he keeps me grounded, he understands (like the puppies today) that joy comes simply in the attempt to fulfill our potential, whether successfully or not. It is present qualitively in anyone's act, no matter how inconspicuous, which is done as an honest and responbile expression of his own powers. Today three puppies reminded us of what is joy.