Being Truly Joyful In Life

        In the streams and ponds of North America, two similar-looking animals but with rather dissimilar work ethics often reside together. 
        One of them, the beaver, diligently and relentlessly works all day, toppling trees to create large river dams for its habitat. It can build habitats so big and intricate that the entire beaver family can be housed there. 

Beaver busy building a dam

        The other animal, the otter, merely catches what it needs to survive so it hunts (works) for only about three to five hours a day. Instead, it spends a lot of time having fun. It is very often seen finding and playing with pebbles, making waterslides to gleefully slide on them into the water and even playing with its food.

Otter enjoying a swim

        It can be surmised that compared to the serious and industrious beaver, the otter seems to be enjoying life at every opportunity. It does not miss out on the simple yet blissful things in life.

        So are you a busy beaver, always working to stay in control, to forge ahead, to amass more or to impress others? Or are you a wise otter who appreciates life and all it offers, delights in life's simple treasures, revels in enjoying life and makes time to savour life?
        
        People often comment that I am usually cheerful and seem to love life. I do have my fair amount of challenges but I endeavour not to let them cloud my life. I appreciate my life and the people around me. I delight in simple things like having brunch with my parents or cooking a meal for hubby dearest. I revel in seeing the world and meeting up with good friends. I make time for me-time. I am truly joyful in life because I know I am living under God's grace and that He will provide for my needs.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?"
Matthew 6 : 25

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, or tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6 : 33-34