Cups

I do have joy in being a part of our family, and being here for them, in service. The joy is in the day to day filling of each other's cups.

What's in there?

Follow the link for a very brief background and connection, for this writing at Just Add Light and Stir.

Having a happy home comes from the creation and maintenance of happy conditions! Produce as much as you can. You'll fill yourself up and it will overflow, and your family might even have enough to share with friends and strangers!

Another Megan Valnes post about abundance is coming later in December, 2023. It might not be published yet when you see this, but try here: Abundance abounds!

Overflowing in a bad way, the teacup in the example at "Deschooling for Parents":

Once upon a time a confident and experienced scholar went to the best Zen teacher he knew, to apply to be his student. The master offered tea, and he held out his cup. While the student recited his knowledge and cataloged his accomplishments to date, the master poured slowly. The bragging continued, and the pouring continued, until the student was getting a lapful of tea, and said, "My cup is full!" The master smiled and said, "Yes, it is. And until you empty yourself of what you think you know, you won't be able to learn."

Weird Al says it a different way in "Everything You Know is Wrong," and Christians say "You must surrender yourself." Before that Jesus said, "Unless you become as a little child..."

The overflowing-with-love thought is sweeter, but both make sense in context.

Rippy Dusseldorp Saran, when her children were young:

When I was 14 years old, I asked the leader of the Sikh ashram I was visiting what to do when I am feeling blue and he told me the scriptures advised meditation, service and giving gratitude. He told me that it is also the same advice for when you are happy.

This all helps me keep my cup full. That is what works best for me - keeping my cup full of positive, inspired, happy energy as much as possible. Life has its ups and downs, but I like to focus more on the ups and put myself in the best possible position to help myself out when I am down. I am more sensitive than most people, and I feel very deeply. If I had not learned early in life how to deal with my lows, life might not have been as wonderful as it has been.

A better direction

One mindful step in a better direction can be joyous. You don't need to reach a destination to have joy.

The Big Book of Unschooling
page 318 (or 275, if it's yellow)