Simplicity

Dear Gentle Readers....
There is a blog that I read regularly, Gratefulness.Org(http://www.gratefulness.org/t/simple.htm) which has an excellent writing on simplicity. In reading the article, I was struck by the thought of a life of gratefulness truly being a life of simplicity. I don't think that has ever crossed my mind before and it brought a revelation to my spirit!

The writer notes that by the time we reach kindergarten, we have been bombarded by and soaked up thousands upon thousands of advertisements. Of course, this must affect our daily lives. Just think of the kids (even adults) around us who have the “gimme” attitude! We go through life, thanks to this “gimme” attitude, always dissatisfied and seeking after the next big thing, the next big thrill. We don't allow ourselves to enjoy the simple things that God brings into our lives: a hummingbird outside our window, dew on the morning grass, the amazing hues in the sky at sunset! So many simple things with which God has blessed that can inspire and encourage our spirit to appreciate the awesomeness of God.

Even in our churches, we are seeking the next special singer, guest preacher, or new program. And, even so, God continues to woo us to Himself through the simplicity of the service, the speaker or the communion table. Yet we leave the church and go back to our work-a-day world without having experienced the change that simplicity brings, without having worshiped in spirit and truth.

How can we experience simplicity? We experience simplicity in gratefulness. An attitude of gratitude should be the way of our lives. When we experience gratitude for those wonderful, simple things with which we are blessed, the difficulties and trials we face fade in the Light of His glory! We get a glimpse of God and His handiwork. When we are able to see God in His creation we will be ready and able to see even more of His wonder. We will no longer operate in the “gimme.” We will find we experience God in ALL of His creation: the wind in the trees, the snow on the mountains, the cry of the eagle, the crashing of the ocean on the shore, the embrace of a dear friend, the waves of joy and sorrow and the rebirth of joy in our lives!

Some would say that this takes the focus off God and onto His creation. Let us remember that God made all things for our benefit because He loved us. We have gotten so far away from true worship! We think our piety will show our gratitude. No, my friends. We show our worship in the simplicity of gratitude for ALL with which God has blessed. That includes His creation.

I would encourage you today to ask God to show you the simplicity and wonder of His creation. You will be surprised at the joy you experience. And you will be equally amazed at how the things that normally pull you away from the Spirit of God have no affect on you. You become focused on God and His wonder. Anything else becomes as a buzzing fly around your consciousness...and even that fly is a simply reminder of the wonder of God!

May you be richly blessed this day as you contemplate the gratitude found in simplicity!

CLG-B