The Yellow Watering Can

  I fully believe that God gives us days just to think.  I find my "thinking" days are those where I work alone on some project.  Both of the menfolk of the Little Bayou House had a full day of reconstructing a side of the house that had been ripped off in search of termites.  (Trust me, Folks, if you think you have termites......you do.  Do something immediately!  Do not stick your head in the sand and deny the critters are eating you out of house and home.  They are.  Take action!)  Anyway, while the guys were hard at work rebuilding the house, I decided to do my best to stay out of their way.  This made them happy and gave me an entire day to garden and, thus, think.

  One of my gardening chores was to sow a bunch of the herb seeds. More Basil, Oregano, Fennel and Chive seeds were bedded.  After getting them all in their nice little pots, I reached for the watering can to give them a sprinkling.  As soon as my hand grasped the yellow can, a smile spread across my face.  Ahh, Sweet Daughter-in-law, Joanna, gave me the watering can several years ago. Granted, it is just a run of the mill can but it is mighty special to me.  It reminds me of her kindness as much as anything can.  You see, Joanna takes time to search for gifts that will be used by the recipient.  She cared enough to find out that I love gardening and would much rather be outside piddling in the plants, digging in the dirt or sowing the seeds than anywhere else on earth. With every sprinkle, that can literally sings of the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law!  Our love flourishes like a well-tended garden!

  The yellow watering can hangs on a hook on the garden fence.  There, it makes me think of Joanna every time I wander through.  Wouldn't it be grand if we could all find memories in most unusual and surprising places?  It does not take a lot to bring a smile if we only allow ourselves to be pleased in the moment.  Small pleasures are sometimes so much more delightful than the well-plotted event.  That said, it occurred to me that perhaps we should try each day to create a small pleasure for someone.  A handful of hastily picked posies for an elderly neighbor, a pan of fresh-baked cookies for the kid down the road or just a hand-written note to some friend faraway.  Take time to spread a smile.  And that, my friends, reminds me of another gift from Sweet Joanna.  She once gave me a lovely, little picture with the quote "Happiness is like jam. You cannot spread it around without getting some on yourself." That makes a lot of sense.  And there you go...make jam for the neighbors that are down on their luck.  You will not only give them a lift but you will spread a little of that good feeling on yourself.  The memories of these good deeds are like that yellow watering can.  They are bright, useful and just downright cheery.  Smile, be happy, share that happiness and get a bit of jam on yourself!  It will feel great!