The weather in Baltimore has been gorgeous. I’ve been getting in my early morning walks and doing my prayer time on the patio. I typically do it at the kitchen table. I always try to keep my mood high, but must admit that it’s often those gloomy days that I feel myself dragging. Therefore, due to the crystal clear blue skies, cool breezes and radiant sun, I’ve been feeling on top of the world which has caused me to list my blessings, many of which are simple pleasures. I’ll share some with you with the hopes that you’ll do the same.
I am grateful for:
• The health and safety of family and friends
• Recovery after knee surgery that allows me to walk for exercise again
• Early morning walks with friends who are also willing to get up at the crack of dawn to get our bodies moving
• Cereal from a box with milk and fruit, and a cup of orange juice
• Patio furniture that’s comfy
• My Bible, book study and journal
• Chirping birds
• Squirrels chasing one another and flying from branch to branch without falling
• Potted petunias that I can smell while sitting on my patio
• The sprinkler that makes my watering job so much easier
• The warmth of the sun
• Wispy trees
• Barking dogs
• Children’s voices
• Phone calls from loved ones
• The ability to do prayer time with my work phone next to me, have a load of laundry going and the dishwasher running all at the same time
These are just a few blessings that have to do with the part of my morning when I am giving praise. The list grows when my mind moves to other parts of the day.
I am reminded that life is great and God is good. My years have taught me that tomorrow may be another story. Life may be hard, someone may become ill or even die, but God will always remain good regardless of the circumstances…and He will always allow me to find the blessings amidst the turmoil because He has taught me to look for the good in all things…for it is always there when wearing His eyes. Take time to appreciate the simple pleasures. It’s so uplifting to count blessings.
7 Comments
Dotsie,
We were literally on the same page today! I recently re-read the book, “You Gotta Keep Dancin’” by Tim Hansel. Life is short and yet we get so busy we don’t enjoy the simple pleasures of life. The other day, I spent 8 hours watching one of my wildflowers open up (huge daisy-like thing). Now I didn’t sit there the entire time, but throughout the day I would go out and watch it gradually unfold.
Now most of us might think that was a “waste” of time. “Whaaaat? Watch a flower open up?” It was so much more than that! It reminded me once again that life is a symphony and God speaks to me through nature. If I can find enjoyment in watching a flower bloom, just think of the other possibilities in life.
Life is short…I want to enjoy as much of it as possible!
We are on the same page for sure. My garden has brought me tremendous joy this year. I think it’s because the weather has been so lucious, I’ve been having a hard time staying inside.
Connie, isn’t it amazing how much a flower changes in one day? Flowers are definitely one of the simple pleasures in my life. They are such a reminder of new life.
Did I tell you each year, I throw out a packet of wildflower seeds and see what comes up! Last year it was poppies–every variety and color. This year, the huge daisy-like flowers–almost sunflower like–are popping up all over. (They didn’t stay in their designated area!) My calla lilies are amazing too. Each morning, I gather flowers to make fresh bouquets! Jon was home this weekend from Pittsburgh and said, “Mom, I feel like I live in a florist shop!” I said, “Good, that was the look I was going for!” Smile.
Connie, I love that idea. I once tried the huge sheet of wildflowers that came in a tube. You unrolled it and watered and voila… a field of wildflowers. I didn’t get one.
Your sons are going to have a hard time finding a wife who is as joyful and fun loving as you.
Thanks Dotsie for this post on blessings. So often we think of what we “don’t have” instead of all God has given us.
My family chose Nahum 1:7 as our “life verse”. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble and he knows those who trust in him.”
God’s good on the good days, the bad days, and every day inbetween! He is all we need.
Blessings for me today? Two feet that walk, even though sore. Two handsome sons and one hard working husband. One gentle dog. One loving and helpful family, two parents, two sisters, one brother, their husbands, his wife, and ten nieces and nephews. Friends that encourage, pray, and listen. The Bible that gives us direction and teaches us who God is. A pastor who teaches the Word of God, comparing Scripture with Scripture…
That’s just for starters…
I love my flowers. I like to think that God gave them to me as a reward for having to cut my lawn. Somehow they make it better. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on blessings, Dotsie.
Susan, your comment about God being good on the good days, bad days and all the days in-between reminds me that He always has our best interest at heart. There is peace in knowing that and acknowlege it. That’s a great way to live a more peaceful life.
Jaw Jaw, what fun to see you here. I like the way you think. All those little rewards are His blessings. Right now, my flowers need a big drink. It has been so dry here. Yesterday it thundered off and on for 30 minutes or so, but never rained. Time to get out the sprinkler.