Simple Joys
They…went home, joyful and glad in heart for all the good things the Lord had done. 1 Kings 8:66 (NIV)
How do we know when our heart smiles? For me, it is more than a feeling. There is depth to this phenomenon. An unforgettable sunset, the newborn cry of your first child, asking Jesus into our heart are all huge, internal smiling moments that we don’t forget. But what about those daily reminders that God is still in control of creation? Once and done? Hardly! Heather Jepsen (All God’s Creatures) shares the ongoing joys.
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I have taken a daily walk for years now. I am often accompanied by my own entourage, be it dogs, husband, or kids. For years this has been a wonderful family time for us.
When my kids were in preschool, the walks were a bit slower. They would spy something in the grass or by the side of the road, and we would all stop to enjoy. A favorite on our walks were the little moths flitting about in the grass. The kids would name each one, and in their minds, we saw the same moths every time. There was Whitey, Blueberry, and Sunshine, each named after its color.
Now my kids are in school, so my walks are a solo adventure. But sometimes on the weekends, if their schedule isn’t too full, they will join me for a stroll. Last Saturday we were out on the trail, my daughter cried out with joy, “Look! it’s Whitey!”
We all laughed as she pointed out a little white moth flying through the grass. It was a silly moment, but it reminded me of the simple pleasures of God’s created world. When our kids are small, every moment, plant, animal, and insect is a miracle. As we get older, it’s rare that we take pleasure in such simple things. And yet the wonder of God’s good earth has not lost its splendor. A small white moth is just as glorious now as it was when my children were small.
Noticing the wonders of creation, especially the things we are tempted to overlook, is a particular joy in my life. God has given us so much to rejoice in.
Walk of Faith: Today try to notice something you may have looked past before. What part of God’s good creation can you take part in?
Gracious Father, thank You for all You’ve created. Help us to forever see Your greatness and feel the love You pour over us. AMEN.