Do you enjoy the simple pleasures in life? Too often, our lives are so packed with activity and clutter that the simple things get ignored and absorbed. Well, this is the day to put our foot down and say, “No more!” This is National Simplicity Day.
One website offers a 101 simple pleasures that often go by in a day without notice. While I can’t recommend the website, I can certainly recommend 99 of the 101 suggestions. The two I can’t recommend are: the feeling after a digital detox (don’t know what it is, never had it, and it doesn’t sound like something I want) and lazy Sunday mornings (that means you probably aren’t going to church!)
However, consider some of these simple pleasures that are worth enjoying.
- Morning Sunlight:The soft glow of dawn, a reminder of new beginnings.
- Freshly Brewed Coffee:That first sip that awakens your senses.
- Laughter of a Child:Pure, unfiltered joy that is contagious.
- A Gentle Breeze:Nature’s caress against your skin.
- Rainy Days:The soothing sound of raindrops tapping on the window.
- Warm Hugs:A comforting embrace that speaks volumes.
- Scent of Freshly Cut Grass:A nostalgic aroma that signals the arrival of spring.
- The Smell of Freshly Printed Books:A scent that book lovers cherish.
- The Sound of Crackling Fire:A comforting ambiance on a chilly evening.
- The Sound of a Baby’s Laughter:A sound that melts hearts.
- The Sound of Rain on a Tin Roof (or on your RV roof!):A comforting rhythm.
- Successfully Parallel Parking:A small triumph in urban navigation.
Do you savor moments like this? Do you soak it in like a dry sponge, absorbing every bit of the peaceful moisture of simplicity? Do you take time to just appreciate these little gifts that God grants in everyday living?
The point of National Simplicity Day is for us to look at things like this and if we determine that we aren’t enjoying the simple pleasures, figure out why and remove the obstacle. For some, this might be a deeper character issue if we are the type who just wants more and more stuff to clutter up our lives. If you can only take pleasure in grilled porterhouse steak with balsamic glaze or broiled lobster tail with garlic butter but turn your nose up to a simple Oscar Mayer hotdog perfectly seared on the grill and split down the middle begging for a squirt of ketchup or mustard, you just might be someone who misses out on the simple pleasures of life.
Christians are called to the simple life. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:12, “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.” According to Thayer’s Greek Dictionary, the Greek word for simplicity means “singleness, simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty, the virtue of one who is free from pretense and hypocrisy.”
Along with simplicity comes a great sense of contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” Contentment doesn’t come from having more and it doesn’t necessarily come from having less. It comes from being content with “such things as ye have.” (Hebrews 13:5)
I hope that your Saturday will be blessed. You are probably going to use the day to catch up on work around the house. Maybe you will be involved in some kind of outreach or ministry. Whatever you’re doing, stop where you are and take it all in. Enjoy the moment. Praise God. Thank Him. Soak in every ounce of what He is giving you.
1 Timothy 6:7-8 reminds us, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
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