Simple Things

It's On My Heart...January 2010

Life is comprised of many simple things. Things we often take for granite and do not think much about....until they are taken from us. Something as simple as taking a walk on a sunny day, singing along to a favorite song on the radio, working out, helping my child with homework, enjoying a sit down meal with family or friends, or laying in a bed for a good night's sleep. It is the simple things of life that enhance our lives so much. Whether it is a flower, a butterfly, a robin trying to fly through the kitchen window or a deer walking through your backyard. These simple things are blessings from God.

I'm not sure why God allows things to happen, but I do know that God's timing is perfect and His grace sufficient. A few weeks ago I was riding my bike and within seconds was laying in a muddy ditch filled with water. Some of the simple things I took for granite were taken away from me. They are slowly being restored as day by day I get a little stronger. The things I took for granite before the accident are now deeply appreciated. The conviction that my life is in God's hands is stronger when I think of where I landed. A little to the right and I would have hit a curb before going into the culvert. A little to the left I would have hit a telephone pole. God's hand guided me to the softest landing spot- a muddy ditch with water. Since the accident I have had a renewed sense of how special life is and how wonderful God is toward us.

King David wrote in Psalm 119.71 "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." In the midst of hardship, David realized he learned more of God's ways. While we may question why things happen as they do, God has a deeper purpose that is brought to the surface as we undergo tough times. Romans 8.28 says that God uses all things for our good. "All" is a tough word for us, because when we go through times of affliction, we wonder what we did to cause it or we get angry with God because we think we do not deserve it. But through it all, whether it is good or bad in our perspective, God can bring good out of it.

So, what have I learned? That life is short, so live each day to the fullest. That God cares deeply for us and works out even the smallest of details in order to show us His care and providence. That people do care, and times of trouble are really opportunities for us to show others how much they mean to us. That it is a joy to give to help others and humbling to be on the receiving end. That the simple things of life are reminders of God's blessing. And it is the simple things of life that make life so special and full.

May you enjoy the simple things of life that God has blessed you with.

Blessings,
Pastor Pete