“Haste makes waste,” Benjamin Franklin wisely observed. And most of us would agree. When we hurry, we spill things, drop things, forget things, trip over things.
But Ben’s proverb may be true in a way he never intended.
Haste makes waste of the beauty around us, the joy and goodness to be found in the present moment.
If we’re not careful, we rush right by such priceless splendors as:
- Tiny leaves courageously reaching for sun in spite of snow
- Evergreens encrusted with raindrop jewels
- The first butterfly of spring (‘Just spotted one like this yesterday!)
- An impromptu hug from family member or friend
- A wisp of a bug living between flower bud and leaf
(See it? On the left side of the bud!)
- A child’s giddy grin, wreathed in chocolate
But how do we become people who live aware—vigilantly watchful for beauty, goodness, and joy?
Ann Voskamp would say: begin a list of wonders. Many of you know she challenged herself to live aware and record One Thousand Gifts (the title of her book about the quest and its impact on her life). Somehow the act of collecting and writing helps us become more intentional.
Spring is the perfect time to practice living with joyful awareness.
Have you noticed the greening of the landscape, beginning at ground level with the grass, and working skyward through bush and shrub? The largest trees will be the last to unfurl their leaves in a grand display of emerald luxuriance.
Perhaps even more glorious is the splendor of the magnolia, dogwood, and redbud in full bloom. Their individual beauty can only be surpassed when clustered together.
And of course, the blooming of flowers, the songs of birds and the scampering of squirrels give us much to savor.
But beautiful or joyful as these may be, what’s the value of paying attention to such details?
Heightened awareness of all these gifts (and more) fosters gratitude. And gratitude positively impacts the way we see the world and experience life.
Of course, appreciation in itself is rather meaningless. How silly to say “thank you” to the air. No, gratitude must be expressed to someone. And all we have, all we enjoy, is due to the loving kindness of a singular Someone—our benevolent Father.
When we express our thankfulness to him, we’re ushered into his presence. Yes, right into the throne room of Almighty God.
Now you may have been wondering as you skimmed this post, When is she going to get to the part about “How to Be Rich—Today?” (That was the title, in case you missed it!)
Here’s what we can do:
Focus on what we already have, not on what we lack.
“It is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.”
(Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
You see? We’re already rich.
* * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, God, for countless, precious blessings every day—blessings that make me smile or gaze in awe at the wonders you’ve created. May your praise always be on my lips, as I seek to live aware of your bounty around me. And may my gratitude bring joy to your heart also.
(Art & Photo Credits: www.amazon.com; http://www.tulipsinthewoods.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.scalar.usc.edu; http://www.hookedonthebook.com; Nancy Ruegg; ww.pixabay.com; http://www.freebigpictures.com; http://www.pinerest.com (2).
From the Inside Out 
AMEN!! This quote:”…we become people who live aware—vigilantly watchful for beauty, goodness, and joy…” and the gratitude to the One who shared it with us. Wow, so important. Thank you also for elevating our writing to an act of contemplation that prompts gratitude as well.
Wow! “Elevating writing to an act of contemplation that prompts gratitude!” LOVE that perspective which explains one reason we write: when we write we discover; when we discover, we appreciate more. Thank you, Dawn!
Yes, gratitude is the antidote to discontentment … and godliness with contentment great gain … Powerful post and wonderful reminder … and … I am grateful for you 🙂
Oh, thank you, Heidi! I am grateful for you, too. Your insightful poetry always inspires me and makes me think!
Yes, oh yes, to each hour with its gifts, and most of all, to the Giver.
Beautifully said, Laurie, as you always do! 🙂
That was a fragrant wave of joy to read. Thank you.
What a poetic piece of encouragement, Carol. Thank YOU!
As Mom and I struggled our way through this challenging week that Dad has been back in the hospital, at the Lord’s urging I took the time to see the beauty in the way that his nurses and caregivers attended to him. It made me feel better to thank them as I appreciated the path that these wonderful people have chosen…to care for others.
Beautiful, Cheri! I, too, have experienced TLC from the compassionate nurses and caregivers of family members. They ARE wonderful people, and they DO inspire gratitude to God. May He bless each one with joy and fulfillment in the important work they do!
One of my great-nieces, Brook, is in her second year of college (Ashland University) studying to become a nurse. She is a natural for this and just received a promotion at her part-time job in the ER of a hospital.
“Haste makes waste of the beauty around us, the joy and goodness to be found in the present moment.” This hits me squarely between the eyes today. Coming to the end of an insanely busy season, I see the truth of these words. Painfully. I know that sometimes the hectic times are unavoidable, but it’s far too easy to get sucked down into them and thus, lose the spirit of gratitude that brings us closer to our Father. Thank you for the reminder!
Praise God your insanely busy season is nearly over! What a relief! Oh, how well I know about focusing intently on each day’s to-do-list–with its unforgiving deadlines. I suppose in those seasons, we can take a worship-breather at the stop-lights, while walking from the parking lot to the store, while eating dinner with the family. Then as we settle into bed (finally!), we can review the day with gratitude and drift off to sleep in God’s presence! May the next season of your life be MUCH more restful, Rebeca (you’ve earned it!), and allow you the luxury of discovering more of God’s beauty, joy, and goodness around you.
Spring is the perfect time to awaken our souls and see the wonder. Great timing and reminder!
Thank you, Jean. Yes, the awakening of God’s creation does foster awakening in our souls. Well said!