The Respite of Simple Joys

My spirit soars. I feel happy, really happy and I wonder where the joy has come from. There's been no amazing news. Huge sums of cash have not landed in my bank account. No special favors have brightened the day. My kids have not behaved perfectly. My house still needs cleaning.

It's a great day and I realize it's because I've found joy in simple things.

An overdue phone call.
Honest communication at Bible study.
A runny nose that's finally stopped dripping.
A splash of bold red paint in my office.
A new phone that stays charged longer than ten minutes and feels good in my hand.
A pleasant lunch date with my husband complete with great food, stimulating conversation, a wonderful atmosphere.
An impromptu visit to my friend's deck on a beautiful afternoon.
A comment that affirms my judgment call.
Teenagers dropping in for a few minutes who seem to enjoy my company.

Nothing monumental, only small occurrences that make me smile. I wonder how many happy days I've missed by overlooking these little blessings, by focusing on the bigger problems instead of the daily goodness. Would I find myself happier, more content if I looked harder for these? Could I change a gloomy or anxious mindset by searching for small pleasures? Has God offered me relief in ordinary, beautiful moments I've failed to notice? Have I missed them?

Have you? Are you overlooking simple joys in your life? Could each day be filled with greater satisfaction by opening our eyes?

Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 103:1-2, 5

Look for the good, my friends. Enjoy the little moments. Find respite in simple joys.



Photo Credit: Jayel Aheram