Babies

Recently I spent an enjoyale couple of hours participating in a baby shower themed “Mom is about to POP!”  Decorations and food were geared to  things that pop……… balloons, cake pops, pop corn balls, snap-crackle and pop rice crispy treats, blow pops, bubble gum and pop rocks.  This was one of four showers for the new arrival.  When this little baby girl is born, she’ll be the best dressed baby around.  She’ll have plenty of diapers, baby wipes, sox, shoes, onesies, girlie outfits, a car seat, a carrier, lotion, ointments, rattles, teething rings, blankets, towels, and story books.  Her room is decorated and her bassinette is decked with the cutest blanket just waiting for baby’s arrival.  When it comes to material things…..you name it, she’ll have it!  Mom will have the best of care as she goes into a hospital to deliver.  A great OBGYN has monitored her all through the pregnancy to ensure the health of Mom and baby.  This is typical of the way babies are brought into this world in the U.S.

Now, lets contrast this with the birth of a baby in less fortunate regions of the world.   It’s sobering to realize there are places in this world where babies are born in a hut with dirt floors without the assistance of a doctor.  These babies are lucky to have a diaper and a piece of cloth for a bunting.  Yet, amazingly these mothers and babies are very happy.  When I see documentaries about birthing in these destitute countries, it is heart warming to witness the love and joy brought into the lives of these mothers through the birth of their babies.  It becomes very apparent that love and joy come from within and have little to do with outer circumstances.   As these babies grow, they amuse themselves with whatever is around them.  Rocks, sticks, leaves, dirt, water, and maybe a ball are all these kids need to have a great play time as they run, skip, jump, hide, laugh and giggle with their playmates.

Meanwhile, we stresss and worry over the most rediculous things.  We have everything we need, yet we don’t seem to know it.  Has all of our “stuff” become more a burden than a blessing?  Benjamin Franklin had great advice for us:  “Simplify, simplify, simplify.”  The materialistic “rat race” has never brought nor will it ever bring happiness.  Happiness is an inside job.  It is a way of living.  Certainly, it is nice to have these extra things.  Appreciate them, give thanks for them but know they are not prerequisits to happiness.

For now, Earlynn’s just sayin’:  “Next time you find yourself stressing over your “stuff” or lack of it, remind yourself you have all you need.  Happiness is your birthright.  Smile….be happy.”

Below is a Youtube video of happy children at play with none of the toys we think are so necessary for their enjoyment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3fU9JSEYrU

If you would like to purchase a copy of Earlynn’s book, Transformed, just click the ‘Earlynn’s Book’ tab above to order your copy.  Thank you.  God bless

http://earlynnsjustsayin.org/daily-inspirational-thought-3/