Everyone has experienced birth—we’re here, right? I have to admit, being born is not something I recall. Yet throughout my lifetime, I have often come face-to-face with beginnings.

One birth that comes to mind is my son’s entrance into the world. Imagine my JOY when the pain hit its highest threshold and a little person was born. The miraculous love of my life nestled in my arms, and I started life anew. Optimistic in my role as a mother, I accepted the good and bad—happy and sad. Throughout the years, my children and grandchildren have left me both empowered and powerless. Yet their existence continues to fill my heart with JOY.

As I’ve gotten older, I have developed an appreciation for the new life around me. For instance, I have the best gardener in the world. My husband, bless his heart, harvested seeds from an alstroemeria plant and deposited them in the flower box under the bay window of our home. He patted dirt on top of the seeds with his bare hands, sprinkled the dirt with water, and waited for the birth of his floral tapestry. Before long, the tiny sprouts turned into plants. And before I knew it, the area under the bay window was a myriad of color.

I am a passionate quilter. Each quilt I create goes through the process of birth. I select a variety of interesting material, some flamboyant—some simple. I cut the fabric into shapes, and with careful precision, sew the pieces together to form a brand new creation, a masterpiece of imagery.

I have watched kittens and dogs become a part of the world, right here in my home. Somehow, we always manage to keep one of the little guys. I have gazed at mountains that appeared millions of years ago when they erupted from the earth. The cool water of lakes, derived from glaciers, snowy mountain tops, and cleansing rain, has given me pleasure when I waded through the silky wetness or watched the birds dip into its vastness. Who doesn’t enJOY a sunrise, as daybreak springs forth a new day; one filled with hope, choices, and decisions? Creations continue to emerge in our world. Birth happens all around us.

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Our spirits can also experience a rebirth. One of the most powerful births we encounter is one of acceptance. As we begin our journey of acceptance, it might be difficult at times. But, as we travel through the process, parts of us are reborn. While we tour a path of happiness, stumbling blocks may fall in front of us and disturb our JOY. The forty hours we give to our job pays the bills and fills a void. Then one day, out of the blue, we’re called into the boss’ office and given a pink slip. We say goodbye to a friend at the local coffee shop, and he or she never makes it home. The biopsy results show malignancy. We realize we’re not invincible.

My discovery during the grieving process, regardless of the reason for the sorrow, is that I long for a rebirth of my spirit. Powerless in the moment, I look for a safe way out of my anguish. Desperate for a positive future, I cry out to anyone who will listen. And then it hits me; I cannot change what has happened. I cannot go back and take a different path. The road lies behind me, but in front of me, I can see the yellow-brick-road of promises.

There are ways to renew my JOY when everything around me screams powerless. To become powerful, I must surrender my grief and accept what I cannot change. I pray for guidance and help from my God. Even when I empower myself for a few minutes at a time, I am on the right path. And I’ll move faster through the journey if I snatch a little more optimism each day. I will hurdle over the obstacle to renewed peace and a JOYful spirit. I will accept the changes of today and move on with my life.

My JOYful spirit returns in the morning with the birth of a new day. God’s promise of peace and tranquility prevails, and the birth of my JOY is welcomed. I am amazed.

Be blessed with JOY, my friend, as you travel the yellow-brick-roads that lie ahead.