Today in northeastern Ohio it is nearly 65 degrees and sunny. I have seen several people do what I have done today which is just to stand outside with my hands in my pockets and experience pleasure. After four months of winter all it takes is one day like today to remind me of the pleasure that comes from just standing in the sun. I have long had a theory about pleasure that I call the pleasure spectrum. I believe God has given all of us an amazing array of things that are intended to give us pleasure. As we get older and wealthier that pleasure spectrum narrows significantly. When I was in high school any car gave me pleasure even my powder blue Plymouth and when I say powder blue I mean the blue came off on your hand or on your clothes if you brushed up too close. Now, I have developed a taste for cars that do not have splits in the upholstery or sound like a Harley. My pleasure spectrum has narrowed. It is a battle to open up a pleasure spectrum. It is tough to go back to economy after getting used to first class (so I am told). It is difficult to ratchet back vacations. The great thing about living here in Ohio is that every year God stretches out my pleasure spectrum for me. He does it with four months of winter so days like today make my heart leap and I find myself just standing outside and breathing and smiling. I guess I never get over not only how good God is but how smart He is. He has filled the world with good things for me to enjoy and if left to myself I would slowly narrow it down until very few foods, or friends, or vacations, or clothes, or cars would bring me pleasure. But God in His infinite mercy takes the time each year to spread out my narrowness by giving me cold, freezing, cloudy weather and by the time Spring rolls around I am ready once again for joy. So, go ahead and stand outside and enjoy but don't forget to thank Him for the last four months that has made today all the better. As a side note, God can use the economy to do the same.
Friday, March 6, 2009
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Each day is a gift. Each breath is a gift. His promises are new each morning. Savor them. Thank Him.
Weather changes remind me to take pleasure in small things, yes, but so do children. Like when babies and toddlers play more with the packaging than the fancy gift that had been in it. Or, when a child would rather make and gift one of his drawings than buy and give something expensive from the store.
It takes a willingness to adopt a simple lifestyle giving up the glitz, status symbols "keeping up with the Jones'" mentality,labels on clothes etc. of this world in order to reach the lost. Take time to smell the roses and drink in the beauty always being thankful for what one has not always wanting more but a heart to share with those that have not so they know somebody cares.
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