Socks in the Tub

Last week my youngest son and I were horsing around and I jokingly threw him in the tub with his socks still on. He couldn’t believe I would do that, and it ended up bringing about so much JOY. His older brother, of course, had to join in and wear his socks in the tub too. Guess what my boys have been requesting every night since then?? Socks in the tub! This simple act of wearing socks in the tub got me thinking. Sometimes something so small can bring us such immense joy.

I have recently heard the term “joy starters” and I love it. Joy starters refer to those little acts that we can do for ourselves that will spark joy. For me, lately, my joy starters include eggnog coffee (but coffee.... always. obviously), reading in front of my Christmas tree, dinner with my parents on Thursday nights, and time spent outside. These don’t have to be big things, in fact, most of them are super simple and small. We just need to be intentional about incorporating them into each and every day. Joy is important. Joy is necessary.

I highly doubt that you find joy in wearing socks in the tub, but I know if you sit and think for a moment about the things that really spark joy in your heart, you could make a small list. Don’t underestimate the value in doing these things for yourself. In a busy season or slow season, on a hill or in a valley, take time for joy. I can guarantee you won’t regret it.