Simple Pleasures

How many are Your works, Lord! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small. Psalms 104:24-25

As I watch a baby experiencing life-
All things are wondrous and new!
They take delight in the simplest things;
I was once like that, too.

Take me back, Lord, to the simple pleasures
Of delighting in the giggle of a child,
Listening to the roar of the ocean,
And seeing animals in the wild.

The world You created is so amazing,
Better than all man-made things.
Take me back to that child-like wonder,
To experience the joy Your creation brings.

My husband and I recently returned from a unique vacation. The first two weeks of our trip was in South Africa visiting my daughter’s in-laws while she was there with her husband and son. In some ways, South Africa is similar to California: mountains, beaches, climate. But it was different in other ways: flora and fauna in particular. We visited a variety of places including watching penguins at Boulder Beach, seeing wild animals on a safari, dipping our toes in the Atlantic Ocean in West Cape, seeing baboons on the side of the road as we drove through the mountain passes, driving past an ostrich farm, and enjoying the beautiful plants such as the protea flower. So many unique experiences! We were totally immersed in their culture enjoying the delicious food, hearing Afrikaans spoken in the home, and settling into their family routines. As I watched my 9-month-old grandson take delight in the family pets with awe and wonder, I realized I was doing the same thing with the new surroundings. For instance, although I’ve seen the sun set on mountains before, seeing it set on the mountains in their backyard was breathtaking! God gave me a new appreciation for His creation here. (The whole earth is filled with awe at Your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, You call forth songs of joy. Psalm 65:8)

Our stay ended much too quickly, but our journey wasn’t over. We flew to Florida and took a Panama Cruise home. We opted out of purchasing WIFI on the ship and lived “unplugged” from the world for 2 weeks. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t miss it, even on our days at sea. I was able to fully relax and enjoy whatever the day brought. We made new friends, took in various sites and cultures, and tasted foods we’d never had before. We were delighting in simple pleasures. On days at sea, I spent time on the side deck listening to the roar of the ocean and talking to God. It refreshed my soul. (Come near to God and He will come near to you. James 4:8) We enjoyed watching the sun rise and set on the ocean every day. One late afternoon we saw several pods of dolphins leaping in the air as they made their way across the ocean. Such captivating sights!

I arrived home fully rested. My soul was calmed by this unforgettable trip. I know that the purpose of many vacations is to get away and relax. But, I don’t want to wait for another vacation to feel this way. I want to be more intentional in focusing on the simple pleasures each day offers, bringing peace to my soul. I know don’t have to go halfway around the world to do that! But, I also know how busy our lives get once we’re back home. So, I plan to post pictures around my home from my trip of the things that delighted my soul as a reminder to delight in what is here at home. Listen to the birds sing when I awake. Stop and smell the flowers while on a walk in the neighborhood. Watch a video of my grandson babbling. Enjoy the sunset every night-even if it’s not setting on a mountain! Thank God as I enjoy the simple pleasures that He created for us to enjoy. (In God’s presence, there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. Psalms 16:11)

My challenge is for you to do the same. What simple pleasures are surrounding you that you’ve become blind to in your busyness? Carve out a few minutes each day to take in those things that feed your soul and draw you closer to God. Enjoy the simple pleasures God has waiting for you!

Dear Lord, thank you for all You’ve created! The majestic mountains, the roaring seas, the laughter of a child, friends and family, the uniqueness of each creature, sunrises and sunsets, the twinkling stars, a crisp apple, the sweet smell of a flower. I pray Lord that in the busyness of my day, I would take time to delight in the simple pleasures of Your creation. Amen