Simple pleasures...I can think of a number of them. An Angel Whispers scented candle by Glade. A good bargain at a rummage sale or thrift shop. I don't know about you, but I always feel compelled to tell people where I got it when I receive a compliment.
I love the simple pleasure of a good night sleep, my dog Gracie sleeping with her head on my pillow right next to me. I love the snuffling noises I can hear from my boys' room while they are sleeping.
I recently have discovered the simple pleasure of exercise. I know...that sounds like an oxymoron. But, I love the wind in my face as I ride my bike, feeling my legs actually working for a change, instead of just walking back and forth. I love swimming laps, feeling my body slice through the water, my mind free, the water cool on my face after I come up for a breath. I love, love, the simple pleasure of spin class. There is something so challenging but so simple about just not stopping, even though the sweat is running into my eyes and I really want to quit. I think that all boils down to the simple pleasure of a hard-earned sweat...it's cleansing and validating all at the same time.
I love the simple pleasure of helping another see the relevance of God's Word in their lives. If that happens at my kitchen table over coffee and banana bread...even better. That first hesitant understanding is like the dawn of a new day in someone's heart, and to witness that is a beautiful thing.
The simple pleasure of writing something that touches another is beyond simple...beyond pleasure, to my passion. To know that God used me to deliver His message to someone is just hard to fathom sometimes, but it really is so simple. It's not about me or any abilities I might have, it's all about Him and the gift He allows me to share in.
When we live life enjoying what God has created for us, we are in His will. In these uncertain economic times, times of suffering for some, we almost feel guilty having simple pleasures. It starts to feel disrespectful to have pleasure, but nothing could be further from the truth.
1 Timothy 6:17 reminds us that we are to set our hopes on God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. It is when the pursuit of pleasure replaces the pursuit of God that we get into trouble.
Take some time today to make a short list of a few things that bring you pleasure, maybe even for free. Invite a few friends to do the same, and take a peek at their list. I enjoy the simple pleasure of surprising someone with a treat, one of the things on their list. A friend saw my new Angel Whisper Glade scented candle on the shelf and commented that it was her favorite scent too. I slipped it into her diaper bag before she left for her to find later. It multiplies my own pleasure to know I gave someone a bright spot in their day.
I have to confess that sometimes I miss the details when I get excited about a simple pleasure, like writing. I missed the part of Rachel's directions that gave us the topic of Simple Pleasures, and wrote a different devo for today. It does speak to my deepest pleasure, being a voice of hope, and I hope you will be encouraged by it. It is the post right before this one.
Happy Monday, new friends! Thank you Rachel for allowing us to connect and be encouraged through your blog!
I have the same desire to share where I found a good deal. Isn't passing on a good deal fun?
ReplyDeleteThere are so many simple pleasures in my own life. I find myself overwhelmed somedays at His goodness to me!
I wrote about the wrong topic too! Maybe it is a Wisconsin girl thing. It was midnight, completely proud of myself, when thank goodness I checked Rachel's website again, OH NO!! I was still writing at 3:00 this morning.
ReplyDeleteI love what you wrote Debbie, it is indeed all about Him! Can you pray for me to experience the simple pleasures of exercise too... I could really use that :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great line, "It is when the pursuit of pleasure replaces the pursuit of God that we get into trouble." It is so true and so insightful. Thank you for sharing your lovely written thoughts with us.
ReplyDeleteOh...I passed up the chance to go for a (very cold) swim this evening... I knew I should have done but was tired after work, the sky was dull, I knew I would be cold afterwards for an hour or so...but I should have read your blog post first! Exercise is indeed a simple pleasure which many cannot enjoy - we should appreciate it all the more while we can!
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh at the joy of having your puppy share the pilow with you. With our elderly doggy and her breath, she's sleeping on the floor! Liked both of your posts by the way!
ReplyDeleteLove your post, especially about slipping the candle in your friends diaper bag! That is so neat! God Bless you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the pleasure of exercise. I particularly like how you added that sweat actually can be a pleasure in this line: "I think that all boils down to the simple pleasure of a hard-earned sweat...it's cleansing and validating all at the same time."
Your next paragraph, too, is something I find so beautiful. That "first hesitant understanding" is quite an amazing thing to behold.
Great post.
In Christ,
Caroline
I don't know what topic you first wrote about but you dd a great job with this one! Love that verse from 1 Timothy. And this line is gospel truth: "When we live life enjoying what God has created for us, we are in His will."
ReplyDelete(Tell me the topic you first wrote on and maybe we'll make it a furture carnival topic.)
Simple Blessings ~ Rachel