SIMPLE JOYS (Part 1)

“simple” -- Not hard to understand and do

“joy”  -- A feeling of great happiness

I consulted Mr. Webster and his book of definitions for the these two words.  If you put them together you have simple joy.  Simple. Joy.  Of course, if you add an “s”, it’s a multiple of such wonderful things.  Simple joys.

My mind began to think of the simplicity of the meaning of the two words when combined together.  This was prompted by a gift to me from a sweet little girl.  The gift was a Willow Tree figurine of a girl holding an apron full of flowers.   With Willow Tree figures, there is always a title and a saying...this one was titled "Simple Joys" and said, "You are simply a joy in my life."

With that came the thoughts of my 2 and 3 year old Sunday School class end of the year party yesterday.  Of the eight children in the class, six will be “promoted” up to the next class in a couple of weeks.  My Helper and I will miss them so much but it’s the circle of life and they are ready for more advanced learning.  We are grateful for the two that will remain and the one that will join our class.  We pray for growth and more also as the year progresses. 

As the thought of simple joys continued in my mind, I thought back to the time I first began teaching Sunday School.  The mother of one of my current students was one of the little ones at that time.  This picture is one taken of that class and me.  Thirty-three years ago.  Uh huh.  I would say that makes me “experienced” but truthfully, it just makes me simply old.  I was wearing one of my two favorite maternity dresses.  Uh...one of my only two maternity dresses.   Do you recognize two of these little girls as two of our church moms today?

The ability and chance to build a foundation and teach Jesus was a simple joy then and is a simple joy to me now.

Looking back on the pictures that were taken at the party yesterday, I decided a picture is again worth a thousand words so I’ll allow you the ability to decipher other simple joys from children.  They are endless.  Endless.  And what better way to live than in a world with endless simple joys?

Blonde hair with eyes of blue and a sweet smile.  I actually heard my name called today after church as I stood on the sidewalk and this little one's car was stopped as they were leaving.  The back window was down and she was waving to me to say goodbye.  I walked over, kissed her on the forehead and told her I love her.  She replied, "I love you too."  Simple. Joys.  

Playing on a playground....an upcoming new 2 and 3 year old class member.  Simple joy.

The smile of a  little one as she swings.  Simple joy.

A proud "Look at me!" from an adventurous one.  Simple joy.

The fun of up, up, and away, looking as though standing in the air, and a smile of sheer delight with braid in her hair blowing in the wind.  And don't forget the purple shoes. Simple joy.

"Take my picture on the slide".  "Can I see?"   Simple joy.

Playing together.  Simple joy.

"Push me Aunt Christi!"...and a "my turn!"  Simple joy.

Fun time with a dad.  Look at that face on that little guy.  Pure simple joy.

"Whee.........!"   A late arrival but a fabulous swinger!  Simple joy.

All together.  Simple joy.  In most cases.

"Watch me!"  Simple joy.

Young friendship.  Simple joy.

Wet sweaty hair and rosy cheeks from playground fun.  Simple joy.

"Hide and Seek Scavenger Hunt" instructions....2 and 3 year old style.  Simple joy.

Listening intently.  Simple joy.

Searching.  Simple joy.

Finding.  Simple joy.

Goody bags from the "finds".  Simple joy.

And of course, the privilege of thanking the Lord for blessings.  "God our Father, God our Father, we give thanks, we give thanks.  For our many blessings, for our many blessings.  Amen.  Amen."   Some really get into the prayer, some peek, but then again, haven't we all peeked at one time or another?  Yet God still hears!  And surely He smiles because God loves pray-ers and peek-ers.   Simple. Joy.

 

Whispering secrets?  It's a girl thing.  Simple joy.

Ice cream sundaes after delicious pizza.  Simple joy.

Sprinkles.  Simple joy.

M & M's.  Yum.  Simple joy.

 Little children.  Squeals of delight.  Trust.  Even tantrums at times.  All in all, the future of our world lies in these little bodies.  Teaching them, talking to them, and loving them are just the colorful sprinkles on my ice cream sundae of life!

Simple. Simple. Joys.