While waiting for the coffee to brew Monday morning, I peeked out the kitchen curtains. To the east, a glowing red band rimmed the horizon. Slightly to the west, a clear, dark sky provided backdrop for a gleaming crescent moon.
Thank you, Father, I prayed, for prompting me to look out the window just now. Your handiwork never ceases to thrill me.
I wondered what further delights God might present as the day progressed? I decided to begin a list, just for the fun of seeing how many moments I could record. The glowing horizon and bright crescent moon became #1.
#2. A completed workout. Thank you, Lord, for helping me eat a live frog–yet again! (Yes, that’s a perfectly logical prayer for those who know what Mark Twain said: “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” For me, exercising is about as distasteful as eating a live frog!)
Moments later, as a bowl of oatmeal spun slow circles inside the microwave, I chose to window-gaze again. This time a squirrel caught my attention as he scampered along a treetop branch, then leapt across a wide chasm to the next tree.
How do squirrels jump like that without falling? Such astounding abilities you’ve given some of your creatures, Lord.
#3 became: A gravity-defying squirrel.
#4. Oatmeal—with cinnamon, berries, walnuts, and milk. Thank you, Father, for the endless combinations of ingredients we can put together to make our taste buds happy!
#5. Coffee. The most exquisite flavor to start the morning.
I was on a roll now as the praiseworthy moments continued:
#6. A dropped contact found.
#7. Sunshine pouring through the windows.
#8. The drive to our son’s house along the edge of Mount Airy Forest. Spring is in evidence: bright green undergrowth portends the imminent leafing of trees.
#9. Clear, rain-washed air–fresh and crisp. Just breathing is a supreme pleasure.
#10. Holding four-year old Elena’s soft little hand as we climb the stairs together.
#11. Snuggling two-month old Maarit on my shoulder while taking her on another slow, bouncy tour of the living/dining, and kitchen area. Her bright eyes seem to study every object, any sign of movement, every play of light.
#12. Reveling in Maarit’s smiles, each one a delightful surprise.
#13. Making her laugh for the first time.
#14. Watching Elena complete a 48-piece puzzle, with very little help.
#15. Catching one of Maarit’s smiles on camera–well, almost.
#16. Listening to a symphony of birds upon arrival home, as I walked from car to house.
#17. Soaking up the warmth of sunshine on the deck while reading my Bible and journaling a bit.
#18. Enjoying a refreshing salad, all the more delicious because Steve made it.
#19. Receiving blessing and challenge while reading posts from bloggers I follow. (See the list in the right column!)
#20. Resting with a pleasurable book.
* * * * * * * * * *
It may not be practical to record such moments every day, but I can see great benefit from keeping a list now and then.
It’s grateful eyes that get to see God’s goodness and glory everywhere–all day long.
(“It is good to praise the Lord…
…to proclaim your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night…
…For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord,
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.”
–Psalm 92:1-2, 4)
What commonplace moment brings you uncommon joy? Please share in the comment section below!
(Art & photo credits: www.pixabay.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.farm7.staticflickr.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikimediacommons; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)