Finding Joy & Contentment in the Simple Life

March 18, 2018 Maria (Angie) B.

This isn’t a normal flower related post but speaks to my joy for the simple things. I was not always the most sensitive and kind person, but I have always had respect and love for nature. I attribute that to my mom and my grandma, who loved all creatures big and small. I grew up a city girl but always loved country living. Now I find myself married to a farmer-- who while not evident to the world and those who know him-- has the heart of a poet and a generous heart. He is the man God chose for me. This I know. Whenever I look at him, this verse always comes to mind:

He is the one who walks this simple life with me. Our life is not uncomplicated-- certainly not. But it is a simple and we love it. Contentment in simplicity is something he has taught me. But more importantly, it is something that he encourages me to embrace. I love that whenever I get excited about something, regardless of how unexciting it may seem to others, he is happy that I am happy. His answer to me is always "If it brings you joy, it brings me joy". And that is the key, isn't it?

We are farmers; my husband and his family grow crops. The farming life is as simple as it gets. And for me it is a beautiful life full of amazing little miracles. The Lord has allowed me to find beauty and joy in our daily lives. Even something as mundane as a lamb. My sister-in-law and her husband farm crops but also have animals. Today while visiting her for a birthday party, we met the new lambs. But what nobody expected was the little surprise we had— a little lamb was born-- one nobody was expecting. It was beautiful and one of the most awesome things I’ve experienced!

As I looked inside the little homemade shack, there stood momma sheep with her baby, legs wobbly trying to nurse. And momma protecting the little boy lamb from the very ornery poppa sheep who kept charging at the baby (yes, they can hurt their own). All we humans worked in unison trying to separate them, making sure the baby was eating from the mom and that he was unhurt. And in the rhythm of things, I found contentment. By the time we were done, I felt like I received a gift by being able to experience that. It was thrilling and I had a smile from ear to ear.

This right here is the simple life. The feeling I had-- the simple joys of life. We tend to think every moment in life has to be pre-planned and elaborate when in reality life’s simplicity can take your breath away. And the pure unabashed joy I felt was simply breathtaking. Let's all rejoice in the simple moments that leave us breathless. Be blessed!

As you can tell today's topic is contentment and joy in the simple. Below are a few of my favorite Bible verses talking about those topics. Enjoy! 1. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 2. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 3. Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 4. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 5. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22

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