Have you ever taken a moment to appreciate the immediate joy that comes from a kitten’s purr, a bird’s song, or a baby’s laughter? The sheer happiness of a dog reuniting with its owner, whether apart for an hour or an entire year, creates a small, powerful moment.
Do you find comfort in a familiar song or feel a deep appreciation for nature when you see flowers reaching for the sun? Nothing compares to the warmth of a friend’s hug or the reassurance of an “I love you” to lift our spirits.
When God created us, he realized we needed accompaniment to get through our years. We require not only each other but also the blessing of our environment.
Noticing God’s creation
The other day, I examined the clear blue sky while taking a long walk to shake my downsized mood. White fluffy clouds drifted into shapes that seemed to entertain me. A baby deer and mama doe crossed the road before me, quickly disappearing into the woods dotted with blooming dogwood trees.
Two geese guided their six goslings by the lake while a young boy attempted to catch a fish with his dad. I chuckled as I watched a puppy, determined to win a tug-of-war during leash training, while his owner shook his head in frustration.
I have walked the same three-mile route many times, but an inner voice began to shout, “Look!” I lifted my downward attitude and eyes and paid close attention as the world passed by. Suddenly, I realized that we uplift our spirits with joy when we take notice of the gifts from God’s creatures and His creation. These blessings are His way of expressing, “I love you.” We need His guidance to keep our happy feet on solid ground for safe walking.
I often wonder why we choose anger over appreciation, and I believe it stems from our human flaws. Our greed and selfishness frequently overshadow the immense value of our blessings. We constantly crave more, failing to recognize that true satisfaction does not come from material possessions. Instead, we discover true wealth in appreciating the countless priceless gifts that God gives us.
Finding happiness
Our happiness is produced by opening our eyes.
A man was on the road, consumed by his desire to kill those he despised. His anger and rage engulfed him, and even though he could see, he failed to notice the trees, the birds, or the goodness in others.
Suddenly, a voice emerged, and a brilliant light hovered above him. Fearful, he fell to the ground and asked, “Who is speaking?” The men accompanying him also heard the voice, but no one could see who was talking.
“Paul, Paul, why are you persecuting me?” Get up and go to the city and await my instructions.” Jesus proclaimed from Heaven.
When Paul stood to walk, he found he could no longer see. He was totally blind and needed the help of his men to guide him.
Most know the story of St. Paul and how God chose him to be the instrument to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. But the beginning of Paul’s transformation could be all our stories.
We often walk with our eyes wide open, carrying anger, revenge, and intolerance. Yet, we are blind until we recognize God is with us everywhere we roam. He whispers, “Give your suffering and sins to me. Open your eyes.”
Change of attitude
We may not need a heavenly bolt to knock us down, but we might need to change our attitudes to lift us up. We can see, but do we really notice the amazing creations surrounding us?
During a challenging time, a quirky duck entered my life—specifically, my backyard. I always enjoy feeding the ducks that visit and love watching them. They usually wait by the water’s edge until I open the back door, carrying their breakfast.
One morning, I kept hearing a tapping sound near the back of the house. I looked around to see where the noise was coming from. My husband and I searched for a leak or a broken fixture, but we couldn’t find anything. Finally, I went to the back door and discovered that the playful Mama Duck was tapping on the door to ensure breakfast would be served on time. I laughed so hard I cried.
I looked forward to her knocking on my door each morning. I clearly saw that God sent me a daffy duck to remind me there was still delight in my troubled season of life.
After that summer, the duck was gone, and so was my sadness.
Look for God in the singing birds, a puppy’s eyes, a blooming rose, a baby’s touch, a funny duck, and those who love you.
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Lynn Walker Gendusa is a Tennessee-raised, Georgia-residing author and columnist. Her latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.” She can be reached at www.lynngendusa.com. For more of her inspirational stories, click here.
