Some happiness seems to need more room than a small body can give it. As the rabbit races through the evening colors, his energy makes the whole scene feel like laughter in motion. It is difficult to watch such wholehearted exuberance without feeling a little of it ourselves.
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
Proverbs 17:22 (KJV)
Proverbs recognizes a connection between our inward life and our sense of strength. A glad heart can refresh us, while deep discouragement can leave us feeling drained. This is a wise observation about human experience, with room for compassion toward those whose spirits are weary.
The rabbit’s bright dash offers a brief occasion for that refreshing gladness. Enjoying it does not require us to pretend that everything is easy. Sometimes a small pleasure arrives in the middle of a hard day and gives us a moment’s breathing room.
We can welcome these moments without expecting them to fix every sorrow. A laugh shared with a friend, a piece of music, or an animal’s unrestrained energy may restore a little of the attention and warmth we need. May we receive joy when it comes and share it gently, remembering that another person may be carrying more than we can see.