Take Joy

I finished the wreath! I haven't been able to accomplish so much in one day in a lonnnng time. Bought a tree and had it decorated by 3pm! I am amazed and found joy in doing it. Here is something I read in the beginning of December, which always helps: I salute you. I am your friend, and my love for you goes deep. There is nothing I can give you which you have not. But there is much, very much, that, while I cannot give it, you can take. No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take heaven! No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instant. Take peace! The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy. There is radiance and glory in darkness, could we but see. And to see, we have only to look. I beseech you to look! Life is so generous a giver. But we, judging its gifts by their covering, cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard. Remove the covering, and you will find beneath it a living splendor, woven of love by wisdom, with power. Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the angel’s hand that brings it to you. Everything we call a trial, a sorrow or a duty, believe me, that angel’s hand is there. The gift is there and the wonder of an overshadowing presence. Your joys, too, be not content with them as joys. They, too, conceal diviner gifts. Life is so full of meaning and purpose, so full of beauty beneath its covering, that you will find earth but cloaks your heaven. Courage then to claim it; that is all! But courage you have, and the knowledge that we are pilgrims together, wending through unknown country home. Fra Giovanni Giocondo (c.1435–1515) was a Renaissance pioneer, accomplished as an architect, engineer, antiquary, archaeologist, classical scholar, and Franciscan friar. Today we remember him most for his reassuring letter to Countess Allagia Aldobrandeschi on Christmas Eve, 1513. I first read this in the late 80's when I worked at Crabtree and Evelyn in Spring Lake. The owner had a subscription to Victoria magazine and all the books by Tasha Tudor (which book this letter is from called Take Joy) and Alexandra Stoddard books. I have to say this was life changing for me. These books and magazines were FULL of goodness! On a slow day I would savor every word. I worked there on and off even after the twins were born. I worked there, because when I went to Georgian Court my professor said my design looked like a Crabtree and Evelyn box. I had never heard of it. So, back before the days of google I asked her if there was one close by. There was one in the town I grew up in, so it didn't take long to visit. I walked in the door and the smell of the store was inviting. The floral designs on the boxes and boxes of shaped soap were designed by Beatrix Potter and Tasha Tudor. I was in love at first sight and was really flattered that my teacher compared me to this store. As I walked out I saw a help wanted sign. I already had a job merchandising jewelry and was still in school. But, I turned to the person behind the register who was happy to talk about the opportunity. It ended up being the owner. My main concern became affordability. After all, I didn't buy anything. "I asked how do people buy a bar of soap for six dollars?". And she said they are triple milled, so they can last for months. She gave me a bar of soap and said for me to come back to see her the next week. I decided to work two jobs and complete my studies at Georgian Court. She was a great person to work for and when I still see a bunch of daisies I think of her. She gave me a bouquet when I graduated. But, honestly I can say how I thought about myself and about my future came from that job, product and HER with her wealth of knowledge and BOOKS! Quote of the Day: All God's angels come to us disguised. - James Russell Lowell Song of the Day: The Power of Prayer by Bruce Springsteen