Pure and Simple Joy

I live in the country and enjoy early morning walks with our rescued dog, Colby. Some mornings I am so full of joy (especially during a rare, sunny, spring morning in Ohio) that I feel I could burst at the seams. Since I don’t have many neighbors around to hear me, I am comfortable to share my excitement over a new day out loud with the Lord. I also share whatever else is on my heart. Oftentimes, and without a conscious effort on my part, my gratefulness seems to take on a life of its own as it inexplicably evolves into songs of praise and worship. Just this morning I witnessed that transition. While singing, I realized, too, how hard it is to complain or worry. Even though I might begin my walk by sharing with the Lord something that is bothering me, between the beauty of the earth, coupled with my appreciation for all that I have, any negativity, sadness, or depression I might have previously been struggling with dissolves away.

As I exercise my body, endorphins are released which also help to lift those everyday pressures. Early morning walks benefit me physically and spiritually as they change my heart from self-focus to God focus. As I witness the dawning of a new day, it cements into my being that the Father of all creation is doing a fresh, new thing in my life, also. And, being amidst His creation reminds me that He is in control of all things, from the largest planet to the smallest insect.

It astounds me that God enjoys these times together as much as I do. He actually wants to hear my off-key voice sing songs of worship, along with my simple words of thanks for the gift of another day. Amazingly, that is His heart’s desire for us – pure and simple fellowship and thankfulness.

And He wants the same with you. Out of all the different life forms that God created, only man was given the ability to reason; to think and to choose. We have a choice, everyday, whether to turn our heart and mind toward God and choose to live for Him, or we can tune Him out and live for ourself, giving in to our petty wants and desires.

I promise you, if you choose the first you will be blessed, and …you will know pure, simple, joy. There’s no better way to start your day.

"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” (Deut. 30:19)

Blessings,
Connie