Today is another day that the Lord has given to us. As we begin this busy week of working, transporting our children, helping them with homework, paying our bills, preparing meals, shopping, and more or less pouring out our lives for our families, let us take a moment to look at some of the simple things in life. Why would we want to take time and focus on the simple things? Noticing the little things help us to appreciate God’s hidden gifts, puts our attention on the simple pleasures of living the Christian Life, and helps reduce stress brought about by the rush of everyday living. For instance, our first simple pleasure is the ability to breathe. We do it over 17,000 times in a 24 hour period without even thinking about it! Doesn’t it feel good to take a deep breath once in a while? Genesis 2:7 states, “And the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life …”
The ability to see and hear the world around us is another simple blessing we often overlook. Examining a flower or hearing the singing of birds in the trees. Helen Keller, who was both blind and deaf all her life once said this, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart.” God has placed the simple things in our path not only for us to enjoy, but also to draw strength from when the pressure of everyday life closes in. 1 Corinthians 1:27 states, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” We always have something to thank God for. It may be simple, but oh so powerful. Here are ten simple everyday pleasures to help reduce stress and build-up our spirit for the glory of Jesus Christ!
- Looking at a budding tree in my backyard!
- Seeing an overflowing donation box!
- Finding a teenager reading a real book!
- Playing an old board game with my family!
- Helping a turtle to cross the road!
- Reading my grandfather’s worn-out Bible due to heavy usage!
- Watching children hug their grandparents!
- Viewing a bird landing on a bird feeder!
- Observing a crowd at the airport welcoming a soldier home!
- Seeing a mom or dad holding their child’s hand!
Keeping it simple, in doing so we honor God, the author and finisher of our faith! For without Him, what is there?
Jim Meyer
Administrator
