By David Ettinger
Unexpected Development
Yesterday was Presidential Inaugural Day here in the U.S., and my mind was occupied, resulting in several things I wanted to write – all on the “heavy” side.
Then, shortly after noon, my son Aaron texted me. He had taken the day off from work and was bringing my grandson Zac here to beautiful Old Winter Garden (just outside Orlando, Florida) to visit me at work.
I was thrilled at this unexpected development in my day!
For one thing, though I see my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson once weekly if not twice, I love seeing them anytime I get the opportunity. And for another thing, my workmates had only seen Zac, now 4, on my Facebook page, but never in person. They would now do so.
A Wonderful Visit
Aaron and Zac arrived at 1:30, came up to meet everyone, and I took the afternoon off to be with them.
We had a blast! After an ice cream stop, we drove a half-mile to Lake Apopka – Florida’s 4th-largest lake – where there is much birdlife to behold – as well as a baby gator – and a great park.
Zac took it all in with glee, especially the spinning ride, on which he stopped long enough to pose for a picture with Gramps (bottom photo). We then headed back to downtown and spent time at the city’s splash pad. Because Zac didn’t have a change of clothing, he ran through the parts where he wouldn’t get wet – and dragged Gramps with him! (We still got wet).
The lead picture was taken there, and no, I did not lose half my face. In trying to get the rising waters plus Zac and me into the same frame, I overcompensated and cut off half my face. Most people tell me I look better that way!
We spent some more time walking around town, and then said good-bye.
Embracing Joy
Despite all that his happening in the world, there is still much joy to be had. Yesterday was a total – and unexpected – day of joy for me, and I immersed myself in it.
I occasionally read blogs from fellow Christians relating how fearful they are of all that is happening. Others express anger. Others feel anxious and uncertain. But I am reminded of John 10:10b (Jesus speaking): “I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” This is God’s design for His children, and we should be grateful He makes it possible for us to live abundantly.
Yesterday was an abundant day of joy for me. Despite all that is wrong with the world, I had no problem shoving it all to the furthest recesses of my mind and embracing the abundant joy with which the Lord saw fit to bless me!
May our gracious God do the same for you in these trying days!
Vincent S Artale Jr
January 21, 2021
Amen David 🙏 I used to live in Lake Apopka, so awesome 😎
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dettinger47
January 21, 2021
Thank you, Vincent. I hope you enjoyed your time here!
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Vincent S Artale Jr
January 21, 2021
You’re very welcome, I did 🙏🏻
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mrsmariposa2014
January 21, 2021
Amen! We must take those joys he grants us and embrace them. Zac is getting so big! What a cutie! Glad you get time to enjoy him! 😊
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dettinger47
January 21, 2021
Thank you, Marisa.
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Blue Collar Theologian
January 21, 2021
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this! There is much to be joyful about if we will take the time to notice and reflect! Thank you for this uplifting post! Love and blessings to you and yours!
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dettinger47
January 21, 2021
Thank you so much, Mandy, and same to you!
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Nicole Santana
January 21, 2021
I love this post! Great reminder that we must fix our perspectives and focus on our abundant joys! Thank you for this. 😀
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dettinger47
January 21, 2021
Thank you, Nicole.
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seekingdivineperspective
January 21, 2021
Grandchildren are such a blessing. Glad you had fun with your little guy. ❤
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dettinger47
January 21, 2021
Thank you!
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jarilissima
January 21, 2021
Aww You both look so happy!
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dettinger47
January 21, 2021
Thank you. We are!
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heavensreef
January 21, 2021
Whenever I go take a walk and immerse myself in GOD and pray I feel that abundant joy you speak of here. YES, the world is going crazy, but if we are certain of our faith, we should be ever joyful in abundant living for JESUS and to spread the GOSPEL everywhere we go. Let someone ask you why you have the joy you have!! So glad you had a good day. I did too. No TV was on in our house all day and I listened to every Christian podcast I could find. It was a great day!
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dettinger47
January 21, 2021
You had a great plan for yesterday. I agree with your spot-on comments regarding abundant joy. Thank you, Maxine!
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heavensreef
January 22, 2021
YES the JOY we find in the LORD is immeasurable isn’t it!!!
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dettinger47
January 22, 2021
It is!
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ken riddles
January 21, 2021
Yes ditto joy yesterday – I joined a procession of two – Granda and grandson playing toy instruments and doing a Jericho march – great!! 😎 Thanks for sharing.
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dettinger47
January 21, 2021
Sounds like we both had a blast yesterday!
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Tom
January 21, 2021
David, glad you had a great time with your grandson! The photos brought a smile. And I appreciated your overall message. Far too many believers these days are focusing on the storm and the crashing waves rather than on the Lord Jesus Who bids us to walk with Him.
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dettinger47
January 21, 2021
So true. Well said, Tom.
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Bruce Cooper
January 21, 2021
My wife and I are enjoying one of grand daughters today and you are right, it certainly is a joy and a definite welcome break from the “heavies”. Happy for both of you David, blessings.
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dettinger47
January 21, 2021
Same you, your wife, and your granddaughter!
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lifesavingprayers
January 21, 2021
Thank you, Amen 🙏🏼 Have a Blessed 2021 flowing with abundant Joy 😊
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dettinger47
January 21, 2021
You as well.
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Lisa Beth
January 21, 2021
Just fabulous! So glad you were blessed and refreshed. It’s wonderful when God interrupts our preoccupied thoughts with joy!
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dettinger47
January 22, 2021
Yes indeed, Lisa Beth.
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Crissy
January 22, 2021
This is a beautiful story David . I know those moments when The Lord surprises. I had one such day last Saturday when unexpectedly my daughter in law and two of my grandchildren came to see me.
So glad you had such a wonderful day. Praise God !
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dettinger47
January 22, 2021
Thank you, Crissy, and I’m glad you had that experience with your granddaughters!
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bigskybuckeye
January 22, 2021
David, thank you for sharing some of your joy. I am looking forward to seeing my extended family in Montana and other locations. Holding on to so much abundant joy to share with my three youngest grandchildren, ages 3, 2, and 1.
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dettinger47
January 22, 2021
Thank you, Big Sky. I hope you get to see your precious ones very soon!
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dawnfanshawe
January 27, 2021
I’m delighted you enjoyed such delight in your day with your family. I delight in mine not as often as I’d like, but weekly, so I know I too am so blessed. Such fun at that age. Mine are nearly 4 and 21 months. 😀
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dettinger47
January 27, 2021
Wow, Dawn, those two will keep you busy! Glad you have them your life. What a blessing!
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dawnfanshawe
January 27, 2021
It’s hard to describe the surge of heart when I see them. I know you understand. The priceless laughs that bubble from their hearts!
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dettinger47
January 27, 2021
Absolutely!
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