Simple and Lovely

Simple and lovely small, recycled glass vase

For whatever reason, whether it be my upbringing or God's specific design for me, I delight in simple, lovely things. They bring me simple joy. Simple pleasure. They bring a smile to my face and soul. This vase that I have sitting in my studio is one of those simple things. It is empty. Very small. Round. Almost colorless even. Cost pennies. And I love having it around. I suppose in this case, in the absence of a complex design, it allows space for me to be creative. Like a quiet companion. Something that I have learned about myself over the years...the need for calm quiet space to create and become closer to my Heavenly Father.

In a loud world, do you have something that speaks simply and lovely and quietly to you? Maybe it's not an object. Maybe it's a stroll in the garden on a dewy morning. A lovely melody that moves your soul. A Sunday drive in the countryside. Fishing or hiking in the great outdoors. The smell of fresh sourdough bread from the kitchen or bakery down the road!

In Scripture, we are told to meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtue, and praiseworthy.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. NKJV Philippians 4:8

I find that when I am bothered by this world, it benefits me to remember to go back to these words. It brings a sense of calm to otherwise rough waters. It helps me to hear that still small Voice that whispers for me to draw near to God. For me, it's when I look at simple and lovely pleasures that the chaos of the world gets quiet enough for me to actually open my bible and read it. I learn more about what God is speaking to me, through the Holy Spirit, about myself and compassion for others. It inspires me to sit quietly with His Word and learn more about Him.

I just wanted to remind us all today to stop and look at the simple and lovely pleasures around us. Ask yourself why you enjoy them so much. You might just learn something new about yourself, and allow the conversation to begin between you and God to learn something new about Him.