The Power of Joy

(January 20, 1999)

As a child, I wanted to sing at the supper table. It seemed the logical place to let the joy of life flow freely - since it was our habit to share happy stories at mealtime, never gripes. But my grandmother expected manners, not singing.

The food at our table was not as important as the stories. Some were far fetched yarns.

When we came together, laughter and joyful bantering took my mind off the ever-present greens that I had to close my eyes to eat. Grandmother said greens were a part of "making-do," but it seemed to me that I was "making-do" when I sang at the table.

Food should never be eaten when the throat is constricted and the spirit aches from hurt. Joy makes the most common food a feast - and it would not surprise me that Grandmother is sitting at supper in heaven, singing.

Peace,
Tawanka