Simple Joys

picture by djcodrin

On my front porch sits a single pot of Gerber daisies.  I don't use my front porch often, but each and every time I go out there to get the mail or sit with a friend I love to look at the precious flowers.  There is something about these flowers that always bring a smile to my face.  The same is true with a cup of coffee.  I love to sip on a warm mug of Joe at home each morning and many evenings.  But there is an even greater joy for me to share a good cup of coffee (for me that is just a basic cup of coffee...not too strong...with a splash of cream...none of that "foofy" stuff) with a good friend with some good conversation.  You see, I am realizing that it does take a lot of bells and whistles to find a little joy out there in the world.  It's the little things; hearing your favorite song on the radio, reading a good book, playing a game of cornhole with friends and family, a simple flower or a good cup of coffee.  Little opportunities of joy are everywhere!

Yesterday, I was struck by the familiar Bible verse "I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10  The verse stayed with me all day.  I began to recognize that the Lord wants me to live life abundantly and He came so that I could do so.  He didn't want me sitting around feeling sorry for myself or wallowing in my sorrows, instead He wants me (and you) to life each day to it's fullest.  Now that doesn't mean each day is going to go perfectly, but it does mean that we can handle each day, each situation with the attitude that each and every day is a gift from God. We can choose to see the silver lining in the clouds or we can choose to see the storm. 

So today, I am going to stop focusing on the fact that it's 90 with 100% humidity and be thankful (amidst my sweat) that I am off of work today and have a whole slew of opportunities to live today to it's fullest.