Giggles erupted from my thirteen-month-old grandson as he sat on my lap. His dark curls atop his head added to the cuteness overload as his grin melted my resolve to play for “just five minutes”. We continued reading the story about the baby animals and I simply treasured up those moments in my heart. In the next moment, he clamored down from my lap as his mom appeared with his little brother. I watched in slow motion, trying to memorize every detail of this blessed moment.
“Every good and perfect gift is from God above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows.” (James 1:17, NIV)
Oh, how God gifts joy in this tough life! We need to memorize those moments. Pause and truly appreciate them. Hang onto them, because those gifts are not always at the ready.
God knew our lives would be painful at times, but as the good father He is, God also wanted us to experience joy. Sometimes, that joy is through His good and perfect gifts. Like family. Especially children. Ah, the sweet smell of new babies, and the music of a toddler’s laugh. It brings tears to my eyes, especially when those kids are my kids, kids. Because this Omi gets the joy of spoiling them. And teaching them about God and His world.
As much joy as I take in my two grandsons, it’s hard to believe God takes such joy in me and in you, isn’t it? But He does. And He loves us, and loves to see our exclamation over His creation. He loves to see our joy over His gifts.
If you’re like me, I sometimes forget to pause and thank Him for those gifts. I get too caught up in the rush and rhythm of daily life- chores, deadlines, exhaustion. How silly!
I have been trying to be intentional the last few years about slowing down and truly spending my time wisely. I also need reminded to be intentional about thanking God for His good gifts. Grandchildren are such a blessing! But so is the butterfly that flits past my window, or the brisk fresh air that greets me when I take our Rottie for a walk.
Will you join me in getting intentional about noting joy in daily life? Let’s not only notice it, but remember to thank God for it! He promises to help us in Philippians 4:19. Let’s ask for His help with just that.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You do give good and perfect gifts! I am sorry that sometimes I am too busy to notice them. I know You love me, and send me encouragement and gifts each day. Open my eyes to see them. Open my heart to appreciate them. Make me grateful for Your love for me. May I remember to thank You for them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.