As a history major, I studied lots of different time periods with lots of advantages and disadvantages to each one. I think that something we should all stop to realize is it's not the richest or most talented people which are the happiest -- it's those that can find pleasure and happiness in simple things. Paul admonished the Hebrews to be "without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye hath: for He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).
I don't think God means for us to be stressed out as we go through life. Sure, there is a lot to get done, but I think He wants us to find beauty in the journey and in the small things. I spent some time thinking last week of some simple things that make me happy, and I share 24 of them with you, hoping that if you are having a stressful day you can stop and consider what makes you happy too. These aren't in any particular order, so I'll start with laundry hanging on the line...
the sound of moths in autumn thundering up the windows, the sound of crickets chirping outside, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, watching ducks search for food "bottoms up", the smell of clorox, clorine, freshly cut grass, lilac and apple blossoms, reflections on the water...
the sound of a river, the sound of wind, running through sprinklers on a hot summer day, a hot shower, Ryan's dimples when he smiles at me, watching Ryan fish and relax by merely casting a pole and string into a river...
Amy's smile -- any baby's smile, Amy's laugh -- all baby giggles, hearing Amy coo after waking up from her nap, a snuggle, feeding Amy, watching her splash gleefully in a warm bath,
the smell and taste of homemade bread straight from the oven with butter and honey...
talking with family and friends, watching Wodehouse Playhouse and Wooster and Jeeves with Ryan, hiking, snuggling up under down-comforter blankets when it's cold, being clean after a long day working in the yard or being spit up on...
Ultimately, most of these do not require money, fame or a degree to have and anyone can enjoy them (other than Amy and Ryan, who are mine :) ) We seem to be so driven by the clock in our culture that we forget to enjoy the journey we are so frantic to accomplish. I agree with President Hinkley, that life is to be enjoyed not just endured. There are magical highlights along our path which can make us smile, laugh or merely relax if we'll stop to look. I hope that I can always remember to be content with what I have, and with the knowledge that God will not forsake us.
2 comments:
Perfectly timed and said, Christina. Thank you.
What a great idea. I used to have a list of random happy things posted on my fridge. I don't know what happened to it. I suppose I'll have to make a new one.
It was fun to read through your list and see how similar it is to mine. It really is the little things in life that make it wonderful.
And one more thing: you've got to frame that photo of Ryan and Amy fishing. It's so perfectly sweet and the lighting is lovely.
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