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We are not public dancers, the Taubes. But we enjoy a little living room dancing every now and then to get the wiggles and giggles out of my little ones. For a couple years, my daughter has preferred the song, “Happy” from the Minions movie to get the jiving juices flowing.
She was happy (and not just because of all.the.presents).
Happy.
That’s all anyone would have described baby Jo as, and that’s all she ever really was. Unless you robbed her of her fruit snacks, of course.
When we came to Nepal, the sad side emerged more and more. It was quiet and didn’t demand much attention most of the time. It was moody and morose but occasionally erupted in red-faced scream fests.
I figured she was a little bored at home and that the threes were just plain harder than twos which I had heard to be true. By four, I was, honestly, just grasping for anything to help bring the happy back.
I enrolled her in a nearby pre-school. I thought she might be sad to leave the house or scared to get on the bus with kids she didn’t know and who didn’t speak her language.
I was wrong.
She hopped on the bus like it was Grandma’s car with the car seat loaded up and cup-holders full of goldfish crackers.
She played, and sang, and danced and chatted her little English-speaking mouth to death. She came home and crashed on the couch each day. She was exhausted. And happy.
And mom was happy to have her joyful Jo and a house full of laughter again.
Sometimes the hardest decisions we make end up making us the most happy.
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A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones (Prov. 17:22).
What are hard decisions you’ve made that lead to your or your family’s happiness?
I would love to hear from you in the comment section below!
This post is part of Five Minute Friday link up hosted by Kate Motaung. I am enjoying being a part of this writing community and putting together these little posts and getting to know these wonderful people! Join the fun next Thursday night on Twitter!
You are a wise Mom. One cannot always tell what will light up the eyes of those we love.
Thank you, Gabriele. Her school was a total God-send. We are thankful! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a sweet note of encouragement.
Sounds like preschool was a gift for you both!
Indeed, it was, Tara! Thanks for popping by my blog!
Sometimes the smallest are also the most intentionally brave.
Great post, Amber. And I suspect that you’re a terrific Mom, because that kind of courage comes from example – “I wanna be like Mom!”
#1 at FMF this week.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2016/08/your-dying-spouse-190-mustard-seed-of.html
Thank you, Andrew, for reading and for the encouragement. We moms need all we can get! I praise God for the platform He has given you in your hardships to encourage many people. God bless.
How wonderful for both of you that you found what was needed to bring her joy back! Thank you for sharing this sweet story, Amber.
Thank you, Katie! Happy kids are truly a blessing as is connecting with you here. Finding Joy in Chaos sounds like something I could go for right now!