A Boatload of Joy

Every summer, Dad went to Sandusky, Ohio to fish for walleye. Most times, he and the crew of family and friends did well. Sometimes they did not. But even on those trips where there was little to show for their efforts, they still returned with a boatload of stories and smiles. They were grateful for the trip and the prize. Sometimes the prize was the fish; every time was a joyful memory of the experience. 

I like to think about Dad’s expectations. I know he hoped for a boatload of fish, but he was content and able to live with whatever the waters and life handed him. He taught me that we don’t always find joy with the things that happen to us, but we can find peace and opportunities to appreciate what we have. 

This mindset reminds me of the prayer, “Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” When we let go of the things we cannot change, we find serenity. When we embrace the controllables we can, we find courage. When we pause long enough to respond with a clear head instead of reacting with a hot head, we demonstrate wisdom. 

Taking time to pause is a great self-care practice. Life takes a toll on us, and we need to give ourselves permission to take a break. Whether it’s a weeklong trip or a simple breather. We need to find ways to take care of ourselves and let go of life’s pressures.  

Let’s try it now. Stop reading and take a breather. Close your eyes and just breathe for a moment. Now, do it again. But this time sit tall, relax your shoulders, and slowly and deeply breathe in that life-sustaining breath. And smile. I just did this. I put my hands on my lap and just sat there, breathing, with no expectations. And you know what? It helps. Just like that, my breather helped me feel a calm serenity.  

I imagine Dad, right now, on the waters of Lake Erie. Hoping for a walleye, but grateful for the moment. Sitting in a boat, filling it up with smiles, stories, fish, and serenity. I’m so glad he had those summer days on the water. I’m so glad I have these moments to breathe, seek serenity, take courage, and find wisdom, and I pray I return at the end of this day with a boatload of joy.