Simple Pleasures

Some folks just don’t know how to be happy! They chase a dream that is just beyond their grasp and are blind to the blessings in their hand.

The Apostle Paul stated that at times he had plenty and other times he did not have much, yet he had learned to be content. In his own words, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:/ I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philippians 4:11-12 NKJV).

In my early adulthood I was a dream-chaser. There was something else around the next corner, something just over the next hill. Much of that never materialized because God was grooming me for real contentment. A mirage may look tempting in the desert but a cool drink of water from a hose pipe is a thirsty man’s dream come true.

Since I have grown older, I have learned to enjoy the simple pleasures. My first cup of coffee in the morning with a blueberry fruit bar makes me feel like the richest man in the world. The beauty of silence and the sacredness of momentary solitude have become my fortress against a screaming world.

I enjoy swinging between two trees in my hammock in the edge of my woods while listening to quarrelsome squirrels disturbed by my presence. When the squirrels surrender to silence, I hear God’s voice telling me to scoot over so He can swing with me. We talk about life; mine, His, and yours.

I enjoy the chats with my wife on the porch, and the giggle of those who call me Papa. My clan has my heart. My ears are tuned to their voices, my eyes are filled with their smiles, and my heart rejoices in their presence. A meal with my family with none missing is more wonderful than a state dinner in a marbled hall.

My mouth has enjoyed exotic foods from different cultures in the world, but nothing tastes better than pinto beans in a crock pot and southern cornbread from a cast iron skillet with fried “taters” on the side. Well, maybe some homemade biscuits, sawmill gravy, and a fried egg with the “yellar” running is close to the top.

In a world that is filled with trouble, hatred, and pain, I am thankful to be at peace with God through Jesus and filled with His exceeding joy. Even if this were to be my last day on earth, my life would have just begun anew. I would have nothing to say to God but thanks and praise.

My dear friend, quit chasing dreams of dust and live. Love God, Love Others and Live! Help some weary traveler find his way and enjoy the simple pleasures of your day. Recently, I told a dear brother, “I’m going live until I die.” I am going to enjoy the simple pleasures of my life while I serve my Lord and King. When He gives me a change of address, a vivid eternal life will blossom from a wilted seed. Then the best of this world will be a faded dream and the realities of all that is real will be eternal.

“And these things we write to you that your joy may be full (1 John 1:4 NKJV).

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt