Broken Cookies – the Bright Side

Joyous Cookies

The first ingredient to this marvelous cookie life offers us is sheer unadulterated Joy. The type of joy I’m speaking of is the kind I saw on my grandson’s face (Jacob) when we traveled to Frankenmuth, Michigan with his parents for the day. This sleepy little town is known world wide for their chicken dinners and Bronners – the Always Christmas store both of which are owned by the same family.

While dining and watching little Jake taste new foods with much gusto, a strolling accordion player was making the rounds of the dining room. I flagged her down and asked if she knew any children’s lullabies, to which she replied, “Oh yes” and then proceeded to go into a rendition of Brahms. Afterwards she slowly approached Jacob and said hello and then took his tiny hand (he’s almost 2) and the two of them proceeded to play Jingle Bells together. When she was through she played another short song and immediately at the end Jacob impishly poked a finger on a key which gave it a sour ending. Everyone around was laughing but the delight on this child’s face is forever branded into my memory.

I have told you this story because Parkinson’s is a disease that tries to steal this joy. Our limitations and resulting frustrations are brought to theforefront and we could choose to mourn our losses or choose to celebrate that which we can still accomplish.. That’s why the word JOY means so much to me. As a matter of fact that little word can be found all over my house starting right above my computer where a beautiful angel is hanging and carrying a banner entitled JOY. That little word is splashed generously throughout all my Christmas decorations.

The good Lord intended that we be joyful people. If you have any doubts, look about you. Even the poorest of the poor find Joy in each others arms. And since it is God’s plan that He lives in each of us, in actuality we are embracing Him by just giving a hug to one another. Quite an awesome thought isn’t it?

Gratefulness is a necessary ingredient that must go ith Joy, kind of like yeast and flour. No yeast or improperly handled yeast and the result are no bread... Like little children though, we take in all the Joy that God abundantly bestows upon us. Even
just the ability to get out of bed and care for our personal needs becomes a joy because we can still perform them independently. But at the end of the day
do we forget to say with a grateful heart, thank you to the one who made that day possible.

As a parkie family we daily lift many up in prayer. Our list of requests as a group has been growing lately but through the power of prayer and the generosity of the Father our prayers have been answered. But as a group or individual do we give
thanks and praise abundantly in return? Or like my grandson, do we take the Joy and pleasures of life for granted and just smile. Jacob doesn’t know enough to have said thank you but we as Gods children have no excuse. And I will stand at the top of the list in saying that I have forgotten to give praise when it is due.

As we begin a new year, won’t you join me for all the miracles both big and small that He has performed for us in the Parkinson family? Thank you Lord for the skilled physicians who care for these bodies weakened by disease, the surgeons who performed DBS on numerous members of our family, the grace that has been given
to each of us to continue to walk this unknown journey with strength of mind if not body, and the unending love you give to us each and every day. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are His alone. 

Let us not end the thankfulness here but when we go about carrying out our daily activities, let usreflect to others the Joy that has been planted in us and is ours to give to others at no cost. Indeed we give thanks to our Heavenly Father for all His
blessings.

Yes, this cookie calls for only two ingredients but they make one of the best cookies life has to offer.  And like the rules of kindergarten, as a family unit, let us have grateful hearts for the abundant Joy in our lives.

Joy, that is how I know You are there Lord, walking the walk with me. Taste and see the goodness of this cookie the Lord has prepared for us.

Joy be in your hearts always my dear Parkie family.


Carolyn Gambino gunnyswife68@yahoo.com


 

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