Empath Health Blog, Jim Andrews

Suncoast Hospice Director of Spiritual Care Jim Andrews

I remember a day many years ago, about this time of year, coming home after a rough day. Work had been hectic, my mother was feeling down and missing my father who had died, we had just been hit with an expensive car repair, and I was nursing a headache that wouldn’t quit.

The house was unusually quiet when I arrived, so I went in search of my kids, who were still in single digits at the time. I remember gently pushing the door of my daughter Zoe’s room open to find her and Zachary sitting on the floor surrounded by a bevy of toys and stuffed animals. They were completely engrossed in a book that Zoe was reading to Zach. What a sight. They were so adorable, and I immediately felt this wave of joy and gratitude welling up within me that completely eclipsed all of the worries of the day. Sometimes that’s all it takes. Just open the door a crack and the joy floods in.

No matter what is going on in our lives, may we find comfort in the realization that we can always open the door to joy.

Have a wonderful week, everyone.

Jim