I have a swing in my kitchen. Yes, a piece of oak suspended from the ceiling on ropes firmly anchored in the joists, promises Rob. Although it’s not as necessary to the functioning of my kitchen as the range, fridge, and sink, it has an even more important function; it brings me joy.
In spite of the constant work we seem to be doing on our home, there are always more things that could use some attention. It’s time to think about the worn siding. Many of the leaky windows should be replaced or repaired. And, re-plastering would be in order too. But, priorities must be made, and sometimes “Joy” comes first. It’s often less expensive too.
I imagine our new granddaughter, born this past July, asking to go to Grandma and Grandpa’s, “where they have the swing in the house.” I don’t ever think of her getting too excited about the new siding, plaster, or windows. Together I bet we’ll have some good times on that swing, singing, talking about important things, and even laughing about how silly it is to have a swing in the kitchen.
Most of us come to know, sooner or later, that joy and happiness will not be found in a relentless pursuit of consumerism, and the never ending labor that is requires. After being diagnosed with lymph cancer and retiring to be with his wife and children, Paul Tsongas, a Massachusetts senator, figured out his priorities: “Nobody on his deathbed ever said “I wish I’d spent more time at the office.”
And now, as we watch the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, we feel a bit guilty, perhaps, having so much, seeing folks who have lost everything. When we hear them speak of the great joy of locating family members and beloved pets, we are moved. We sense that they know what matters. And we wonder, do we?
What brings joy into our lives? How do we nurture it in ourselves and those we love? How do we keep alive that sense of wonder, joy and excitement about the world that children are born with, that my granddaughter now has. I think it may just begin with the swing in my kitchen.