The Simple Joys in Life.
The simple joys that come along in life are a blessing. Sometimes they are large events like weddings others are birthday celebrations with grandchildren.
Life Events Marked by Simple Joys
When I think of the puzzle piece of life marked Joy, I notice a few easy to spot pieces that join it. There are joyous occasions that stand out in my memory. Some are big events like my wedding almost forty-seven years ago, or the birth of my children and grandchildren. The images of these big days run through my mind and bring a smile to my face. They are joined by celebrations of birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries. But those types of occasions don’t happen every day.
Simple Joys and Childlike Wonder
I have been thinking about the simple joys in life. Do I have a child-like wonder at life? Watching my young grandson, even via video feed, I see his amazement at looking through a magnifying glass and watching things grow larger than life. I watch him play and listen to the stories he makes up. A old fashioned table in our living room allows him to crawl under it and over the middle support between the legs as he imagines exploring a cave or a far-off place.
I remember playing under that same table. It was my fort or my castle depending on the day. Now it is a serviceable piece of furniture that needs dusting frequently. Where did the wonder grow? Of course the table has shrunk or I’ve grown too large to hide under it, but what about other little things that bring joy and amazement to little ones? I think finding those simple pleasures that bring joy should be a part of each person’s puzzle of their lives.
Praise God for His Provision
Before we can enjoy those everyday things and find joy in them, we must be aware they exist. Then we can allow them to become a reason for gratitude and begin to praise God for His provision of them. I began to look around to see what I could find and realized there are many things that I enjoy.
Each spring, I look for the first pale, purple crocus bloom in the winter-deadened prairie grasses. These days, I don’t get out to walk and search but I appreciate when others share their photos of these bright spots of spring’s approach. In summer the jaunty smiling pansy flower faces bring a smile to my face. I’ve had these hardy flowers reseed themselves and come up in the rocks of my backyard a few years ago. I took a photo so I can remember that tough circumstances don’t preclude beauty.
Listening to the birds outside my window is a cheerful way to wake up. Even the annoying pigeons have a beauty in their feathers. The sun sparkling off the water, whether a lake, river, or a puddle left by rain or melting snow adds a beauty to the ordinary.
Sometimes those glimpses of joy come in the form of a phone call or text from a dear friend. They might be a helping hand or a bouquet of flowers. In the midst of a hectic day, time to pause and reflect might be a huge gift for someone.
Change My Focus
When I change my focus and begin to look for those glimpses of joy, I find more of them than I expect. Gratitude should follow and praise as well. In the Psalms, we read praises to God for everything he has created, and is, and does in the lives of people. Reading these brings me peace and joy.
Psalm 96: 1-9
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens
Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the Lord, O families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him all the earth.
Joy in the Simple Things of Life
Watching with child-like wonder will help us find joy in the simple things of life and the creation of Almighty God. Then our hearts can be filled with thankfulness and praise to God. Finally, we can share those with others. What brings you joy? How can you share it with someone else?
How do you think you are creative? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Carol Harrison
Listen to Carol’s program Puzzle Pieces Of Life or visit Carol’s website carolscorner.ca
Carol Harrison B.Ed is a speaker and published author with one book, Amee’s Story and stories in twelve anthologies. She is passionate about helping people of all ages and ability levels find their voice and reach their fullest potential.
She knows, through personal experience that some of life’s experiences are tougher than others. She encourages people that even in the twists and turns of life God’s amazing grace provides hope.
She lives in Saskatoon, SK with her husband Brian. They have four adult children and a dozen grandchildren.
More Podcasts Below:
More Blogs
Why Did Jesus Say “I Am the Bread of Life
Images courtesy of:
Birthday Cake – timkraiijvanger
Child at Beach – Pexels
Leave a Reply