Make a Joyful Splash and Decorate Your World – It’s Fun

Happy Friday, 12th Mile Runners:

February! It is nearly done. We are headed toward Spring and warmer temperatures! (Michigan people are DANCING). BUT…February’s heart plays out all year long whenever we take a moment to make another person feel seen, loved, or appreciated. We color our world when we do! It changes what is happening around us and within us. And the life-break we take to decorate someone’s world often blesses us more than we would have ever imagined. It’s FUN!

In 1998, Robin Williams starred in a film titled “Patch Adams”. The film is based on the true story of a doctor by the same name. Patch approaches his life and his interactions with patients in completely unorthodox ways…much to the frustration of the esteemed medical community, which elevates protocol and tradition over truly caring for and seeing the humanity in the patients they treat. Undeterred by the medical community’s disciplinary actions against him, Patch uses humor and compassion to the delight and surprise of those around him. He challenges his world with Valentine Power! And his simple, creative splashes of playful enthusiasm improve the health of the entire hospital wing where he works. And…It’s FUN!

At one point in the film, Patch enters a pediatric cancer ward and is moved by the gravity of the illness he sees in the children. He embraces the hard situation! Enjoy this brief movie clip: The Children’s Ward. Through play, Patch dispenses encouragement alongside medical protocols. Ahh, ENCOURAGEMENT!It changes everything! For a few precious moments, the difficult reality plastered across that ward for those children does not exist!

We do this all the time when we take a moment to call out the gold we see around us. It can be the simplest gesture, and I am always surprised by the power it packs. A few months ago, I finally spoke up to express my appreciation for a lovely woman who works in housekeeping at my gym. She diligently maintains every aspect of the women’s locker room. The scope of her work is gargantuan! From replenishing toilet paper, soap, and towel dispensers to sanitizing all counter surfaces and disinfecting the sinks, toilets, and showers, her job is critical! She keeps us all healthy; her service is not easy. The quality of her work makes the whole organization look good! In fact, I know when it is her day off. Why? The condition of the women’s facilities is just not the same.

One day, I could not remain silent any longer. I said, loudly enough for anyone within earshot to hear, “Linda, thank you for caring about the cleanliness of this place. I appreciate how you serve and take care of all of us! You do your job as if it were an extension of your home. We receive the blessing. Thanks for what you do!”

She looked at me with delighted surprise and a bit of a sparkle in her eyes as she responded, “Wow, thank you for saying so! That is so nice to hear.”

My words had clearly shifted her perspective a bit at that moment. I felt glad I had finally said it. Why had I taken so long to express the truth? Her facial expressions over the next several minutes were light and beautiful. However, my spirit was lighter, too! Making someone else smile reduced the volume of the continual noise between my ears. My thoughts mattered less than the fact that another person appreciated what I had said. It changed her, but it changed me, too!

So, my dear Running Buddies, Valentine’s Day is officially done for another year. Let’s continue to play with its wisdom. It kind of helps us remember that this life is meant to be enjoyed! Play! Make a Joyful Splash and Decorate your World! It is FUN!

 

1Thessalonians 5: 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. ESV

With Love
Louise Ann