Simple Joys

A goldfinch flew right by me when I was on my walk.
It caught me by surprise.
It thrilled me.
The bright yellow color of the feathers against the green leaves was so lovely.

I remember when we built a front porch on the house we lived in before this one.
I would sit on the porch swing and watch the birds at the bird feeder.
There were quite a few goldfinches that came to the feeder to eat the birdseed that was there.
I am not getting up off this swing until I see a goldfinch, I would say to myself.

Within minutes, a goldfinch would arrive.
I was mesmerized by its beauty.
God, you can be such a showoff sometimes, I would say.
The Master Artist created an amazing palette of colors that dazzles the eye.

Simple joys, I call it.

In this house where we have lived for the past twenty years, I have a side porch.
That same porch swing is hanging there.
I still sit on the porch swing and watch the birds.
This time it is a hummingbird feeder that intrigues me.

This time the bargain is the same; only the bird is different.
I am not getting up off this swing until I see a hummingbird, I say to myself.
Within minutes, multiple hummingbirds come to the feeder to drink.
Their wings make a whirring sound as they beat so rapidly.

Simple joys are captivating.

This week I will celebrate another birthday, if God allows.
The mother of the four boys that consider our home their second home sent me a text.
She wanted to know if she and the boys could come over for the afternoon.
That was an easy, yes!

I knew that they would want to play outside on our driveway.
I knew that they would probably bring a skateboard.
I knew that they would probably fly high on our tree swing.
I knew all that activity would make them hungry, so I baked their favorite thing.

I heard the door open since they can just walk right in to my house.
The youngest boy was already in the laundry room taking off his sneakers.
The second oldest boy followed holding something behind his back.
Their mom was next, followed by the oldest boy who is as tall as me.

One boy remained outside to ride his skateboard down the driveway.
He came in shortly after everyone else.
The boy that was holding something behind his back, proudly showed it to me.
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Gallagher, he said as he wrapped his arms around me.

I looked at the large canvas he was holding in his hand.
He had painted a picture for my birthday.
He painted a picture of a red barn.
Did you paint this barn for me? I asked him as he was still hugging me.

Yes I did, he said proudly.
His mom added a few details with a twinkle in her eye.
He knows that Mrs. Gallagher loves barns and he knew that you would love the tree.
There was a perfectly drawn tree on the side of the barn.

You and I will find the perfect place for this picture, I said with my arm around his shoulder.
This young boy was so thrilled that I loved the picture he painted for me.
I have an old school desk in my dining room.
I led the young artist into that room.

Do you see this desk? I asked him.
He shook his head as he looked at me.
I put a special picture on this desk at Christmastime, I said pointing to the old desk.
Everyone can see it when we eat in the dining room, I explained.

I am going to put your painting right here, I said placing it carefully on the old desk.
He gave me a hug as he looked at his painting displayed so prominently.
His sweet face and his precious heart were the real gifts.
The picture he painted was a bit of himself that he took the time to give me.

I thought about the goldfinch that flew right by me.
I thought about the hummingbirds at the bird feeder.
I looked at the precious painting of a red barn and a perfectly drawn tree.
Simple joys.

I experienced the blessing of simple joys.
Simple joys cannot be bought.
Simple joys happen without warning.
Simple joys catch you by surprise.

Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! (Psalm 32:11)

I was surprised by simple joys.
I did not plan them.
I did not seek them out.
The simple joys found me.

Simple joys are everywhere in our daily life.
God sprinkles them throughout our day.
It must delight God to see our reaction to the simple joys He puts in our path.
God sprinkles a little joy here and a little joy there.

Pure joy.
Simple joys.
Simple joys are a gift from God’s hand.
Are your eyes, ears, and hands open to receive the simple joys God is sprinkling in your day?

Do you see them?
Can you count them?
They are there.
Receive simple joys from God’s hand with a grateful heart.

 

2 responses to “Simple Joys”

1. Gina, you are so right! Being an artist has enhanced my observation abilities (although one certainly doesn’t have to be an artist to appreciate all God gives us every day). We just have to look up from the I-pads and smart phones to see God’s real beauty. The real thing is so much better than a picture. BTW, I saw a hummingbird the other day at one of my hanging baskets–such a treat!

   Reply

   • Sue,
     I agree. We miss so much of the beauty that is around us each day. God sprinkles those simple joys around us for our enjoyment and His glory.
     Gina

     Reply