Simply
put, it’s the simple things of life I find steeped with meaning.
Otherwise why do we go around capturing photos of trees full of
colorful leaves, flowers blooming, steamy mugs of coffee and selfies
with friends wherever we go? Isn’t it because there is something
beautiful in the simple moments and pleasures? In a few still moments
on a gray cloudy day I sit here wedged between two holidays writing
about the simple things even though the world has attempted to siphon
off all the simple joys from the season.
Just
a little over a week ago I was checking the turkey, shaping the rolls
and mashing potatoes on a hot southern California day with no air
conditioning. Midst conversation, cooking and eating chocolate chip
cookies as appetizers those special, simple moments happened. And the
best memories aren’t the food. It was the moment I realized the
candles had burned down and dripped all over the table runner.
Sheepishly, my daughters informed me the damage was done when I
turned on the ceiling fan. We had a good laugh! And another good
laugh a few days later in the remembering of the incident.
It
was the moment in the living room, coffee and dessert in hand, while
discussions flew about settling into a healthy space of “agreeing
to disagree.” Then it was by the fire pit where stories were told
and laughter launched over the neighbors’ fences. And last but not
least it was dividing up leftovers and doling out hugs, saying how
glad we were to spend the time together.
I
may not remember the new recipe I used to cook the turkey (nerve
wracking) or what recipe I used for the rolls; because I am always
trying something new, but I will remember all the simple moments for
a long time. I will treasure them in my heart. You see, when changes
happen in the family one often notes more closely the simple things –
the things you want to live over and over again. My oldest daughter
is moving to London, England to get her master’s degree at Central
St. Martins and who knows where the winds of fulfillment will direct
her. And so it may be a long time before we all sit around the fire
pit and laugh together or quite possibly the same mix of people may
not be around. I know there will be other beautiful, simple moments
to treasure but I cannot help but savor these a little longer knowing
things are changing.
The
mere fact things are always changing forces to the surface the
simple, precious moments we have with one another. It seems so many
of us are working hard not to miss these moments with our photos and
our posts. Photography is a wonderful way to focus on the simple
pleasures of life, but I want to be present in them as well. My heart
longs to squeeze out every drop of significance from time spent
enjoying loved ones and the beauty around me. But there seems to be
something even in the squeezing that leaves me deflated. Could it be
that just being present and grateful is enough for receiving the
blessings of these moments?
Simple
pleasures weren’t designed to be held onto tightly until they fall
flat. Gratitude is the one sure way to hold lightly to the meaningful
moments, offering simple pleasure to the One who gives these good
gifts in the first place. Gratitude serves up rest. When I am
grateful, I realize I did not create the simple moments overflowing
with meaning. I am unable to design and create such moments. All I
can do is be present to receive and give thanks. Maybe this is why
the simple, everyday moments seem to be the best; I am the receiver,
not the creator of these moments. They happen by His design,
therefore I can trust that even though things are changing there will
always be simple moments to experience and treasure.
Richard
Foster puts is well: “The discovery of God lies in the daily and
the ordinary, not in the spectacular and the heroic. If we cannot
find God in the routines of home and shop, then we will not find him
at all. Ours is to be a symphonic piety in which all the activities
of work and play and family and worship and sex and sleep are the
holy habitats of the eternal.”
So
while another holiday presses me to move forward, leaving behind the
last, it is my desire to be aware of the greater things this season
offers. It won’t be the big moments but the simple pleasures I can
easily overlook if I get too caught up in the making big memories.
What are the simple pleasures you and your family enjoy this time of
year?
