Private Joy

A good friend of mine called me last week and the subject of her hubby's new found happiness came up, his girlfriend. The girlfriend is a motorcycle and it seems that this hubby has been quiet and complacent for many years.
He stood by and let his wife direct the family and dutifully went to work each day to pay the mortgage and the vacation bills. However, it seems that he had a secret passion for motorcycles. Apparently many years ago, when his children were babies he discussed the purchase of a motorcycle and was easily talked out of it...however, he never let that quest disappear.
One day this summer he quietly made the deal and with very little fanfare came home with a motorcycle and began to ride it to work everyday. My friend had little to say about this, because her hubby was suddenly joyful. He didn't mind so much going to his job; a job that was not very fun or exciting.
He had happiness in his voice when telling his wife about having to ride home in a sudden downpour. And my friend really understood that everyone needs a little private joy, a little something to look forward to outside the regular life that we all have.
Mothers can find their joy in the faces of their children. I am still smiling at the memory of Teddy's face when he came across the finish line at his cross country meet this week, and Josh's face when he is on his skateboard or coming home from football practice.
Without a little joy there is no doubt that the incredible monotony of life would sneak up and get you and then you would really have no reason to get out of bed,