Simple Joys

I remember the simple joys of childhood. I recall the excitement of catching fireflies and putting them in a jar, skipping stones across the lake, riding bikes around the neighborhood, and chomping on homegrown corn on the cob. Happiness was eating a big juicy slice of fresh watermelon and seeing how far we could spit the seeds. Childhood memories evoke thoughts of a simpler mindset, void of complications and stress. Our whole lives were stretched out in front of us like a blank canvas, and we were eager to grab our brushes and paint an exciting destiny.

Today, as adults, we may reminisce and think wistfully of the carefree days of youth. But we don’t have to live that way. We can return to the simplicity and the excited anticipation of our younger days- it is simply a matter of how we choose to live. It is not God’s intention that we live complicated, stressful lives. We can live in simplicity and peace if we choose to. But we have to choose it.

The first step toward a simpler life is adjusting how we see life. We have to begin to focus again on the small things that add brightness to our days. Instead of gulping down our meals, thinking about the things we have to get done, let’s take time to savor it and enjoy that slice of sweet watermelon once again. Let’s not look at everything we do as a task to get done, but let’s see the joyful aspects of our work- the people we help and the good feeling of seeing a task completed. Instead of worrying about money, let’s take time to look at the nature around us and appreciate the beauty of creation. Our finances will work out as we tithe, give, and follow God’s wisdom, so instead of fretting about it, forget about it and focus on something lovely. A simple life is one in which we place the right amount of focus on the right things.

Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. Philippians 4:8 (Amplified Bible, AMP) emphasis mine

If you just barely skimmed over that verse, go back and read it and really digest it. The phrase, “whatever is lovely and brings peace” stands out to me. What we see and focus on is a huge part of living the simple life. Quit worrying about the political situation, the economy, the social unrest, your job, your boss, your teachers, and the million and one other unnecessary things adults concern themselves with. God can fix every single one of those things, and we don’t need to sit around and lose our joy over them.

Another key to enjoying the simple joys of life is to take a good look at our commitments. Are we over-extending ourselves? We need to look at the activites we are involved in and identify those that God has never told us to do. Maybe there are some things that need to come off our plates. A simple life means having time to enjoy the little things- and when we’re doing too much, we have no time to do enjoy and appreciate life.

Let’s not live rushed, complex lives. Let’s take steps today to return to the simple joys of childhood. We need to live lives that are worth living. We can do it if we try.

Hmmmm, I think I’m going to kick back and enjoy a nice chunk of watermelon… I might even spit a few seeds!