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The Joy in Simple Pleasures

February 15, 2011 By Jean Wise

  If you visit this blog often, you know I am not a winter person – difficult for someone living in the Midwest. I struggle with finding the beauty in this stark, raw time of year. I have shared some of my discoveries in past posts as I try to appreciate this season in new ways this year.

   This is the first winter being in my new office in the house and I am blessed with a wonderful window that looks out onto my snow covered garden backyard. The highlight this year though is the bird feeder with its many visitors – sparrows, finches, cardinals, and doves to name a few.
I realized this morning how the pleasure of simply watching the birds this winter fills me with joy.
·      Full of energy and celebrating in the delight of finding seed to eat, they dance on my porch.
·     They look after one another. Often the female cardinal will come for seed while her bright red companion watches from the bare lilac bush 20 yards away. One sparrow sits on the banister while the rest of the crew indulges in breakfast.

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·      Though I love the brilliant red of the male cardinal against the white snow, I have been fascinated by all the shades of browns on the sparrows when I studied them closely.
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“When you finally allow yourself to trust joy and embrace it, you will find you dance with everything.”
- Emanuel
Details I normally ignore in my complaining about the long cold winter.
Features of this season I have missed that warmed my heart this year.
 I am grateful for the joy I am discovering in simple pleasures. I am learning to dance with everything God brings into my life.
How about you? What brings joy to your heart? What are you dancing with?

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Filed Under: spiritual lessons

Comments

  1. blankJean Wise says

    February 17, 2011 at 5:18 pm

    My internet was down for most of the day yesterday so didn’t get to respond to all these wonderful comments.

    I guess there is joy in the simple pleasure of no emails for a day. LOL

    But also joy in being reconnected.

  2. blankKaren says

    February 17, 2011 at 12:33 am

    Oh, Jeanie, those are great pictures. I love the cardinal in the midst of the gray. Exemplifies just what you are saying.

  3. blankPhather Phil Malmstrom says

    February 16, 2011 at 12:27 am

    Wonderful point Jean. It’s quite often the little pleasures God bestows on us are easily overlooked, and yet can provide us wondrous joy and clarity if we choose to see them.

    Have a Blessed Day!

  4. blankLisa notes... says

    February 15, 2011 at 10:32 pm

    I’m trying to learn to be more of a dancer this year. To delight more in the gifts of grace that God gives me. So this post is right on target for me. Thanks, Jean, and thanks, God!

  5. blankDesiray says

    February 15, 2011 at 9:54 pm

    It’s the simple things in life which has so much meaning to them. I truly believe that life is about appreciating the beauty of it. We get so busy with stuff that we miss things. I’ve seen people who are sick in body who can point out the beauty of life. I just pray we never get to the point that we find ourselves in a dark place before we can appreciate the simple things.

  6. blankJen says

    February 15, 2011 at 8:25 pm

    Sometimes I spend far too much time grumbling about what I don’t have instead of what I do. Looking to see the gifts that He has given me inspires me to see beyond myself so that I can truly walk with Him. So glad you linked up today!

  7. blankRachy says

    February 15, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    I forget to look for the simple joys sometimes. Your ability to find simple joys in the middle of winter that you dislike is inspiring.

  8. blankdancingbythelight.com says

    February 15, 2011 at 6:05 pm

    I’m trying to slow down and see things through the eyes of my children. Instead of always trying to “hurry them up” when they want to linger, I want to try to see what they’re seeing.

  9. blankEileen says

    February 15, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    Love this simple pleasure. One of my simple pleasures is driving to work in the morning and watching the sunrise. It never grows old. Your pictures are lovely 🙂

  10. blankJohnnie says

    February 15, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    My mom adores cardinals and I have a special fondness for that sparrow. Love the photos, Jeanie. It almost (only almost) makes me long for a wintry backyard.

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