A spring sunrise.
Fresh flowers covered in dew.
A simple home cooked meal.
Laughing to tears with a good friend.
Each of these is a small, ordinary thing. Yet each also has the capacity, if we are open to it, to usher in an experience of grace, when life's goodness presents itself not as a prize to be sought, or bought, but a gift to be humbly received.
With the right attitude, a simple, ordinary life can contain precious marvels and wonders that create joy in a way that can not be experienced any other way.
What simple pleasures make your life come alive?
Oh, my gosh. Maybe the question is "what simple pleasure if any do NOT make your heart come alive?" I make an attempt every day to find gratitude and pleasure in the simple things: baking a loaf of bread, listening to the birds, seeing the potatoes coming up in the garden (that was today's joy and surprise!). I learned a long time ago what you express so movingly above: life's goodness is "a gift to be humbly received."
ReplyDeleteThank you for this one, Gregg. I enjoy your thoughts and writing; this one was a home run.
I think gardens are life’s goodness in action, and I am patiently waiting for the magic to happen in mine. Still waiting for many seeds to come up, but it has been on the cool side this spring. In spite of that, I have joyfully welcomed germinating peas, kale, radishes, and pole beans to this year’s effort. Thank you for your generous and positive comment. It makes my day, it does.
Delete- Gregg
Great poem! It is good to appreciate the simple things. Recently I’ve enjoyed smelling the fresh air coming in an open window on a nice spring day, admiring peonies freshly cut from the garden, the wonder of seeing a plant spring forth from a tiny seed and the comfort of a purring cat nearby.
ReplyDeleteFresh air - their is nothing like it. And laundry that has been dried in the sun and fresh air can not be beat. What a joy. Germinating seeds in the garden are one of nature’s true magical pleasures. We don’t have any pets, but I must admit, we do watch cat videos for a fix now and then. Happy spring.
Delete- Gregg
The birds have been so wonderful this spring. Those daily walks really do lift your spirits. Thanks for all the good you pass along in your articles!
ReplyDeleteWe eagerly anticipate the returning birds each spring, and this spring is not disappointing. Enjoy the birds and the walks. Thank you for your feedback.
Delete- Gregg
Surely I enjoy lot of the things mentionted. Sunshine, nature. But I have worries too. Insects and birds dissappearing from my garden... Though I leave it a wild place only cutting what I need for space.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely I enjoy looking at my sleeping cat right now, who came to us in 2020 with a trauma. Won't bother you with the whole story. And not that she wasn't happy and sweet straight away, but she kept her 'backpack' until late last year.
Other than that I feel fulfilled being an active member of my local community as a volunteer for a social foundation. Working one day a week at the thrift shop (an important fundraiser) but writing for them as well makes me as meaningful as I can become at my age for my small world.
As the large world gets more and more insane, it is important to have a stable small world where reality still exists. There’s no lack of bugs in my garden, but I like them for without them we would not have a healthy population of barn and tree swallows. I just wish the bugs didn’t find me so tasty.
Delete- Gregg