Finding Joy in the Small Things

Nikki Gemmell wrote a great article about finding joy in the small things in life, published in the Weekend Australian on Saturday, 25^th August.   Reflecting on her life as a busy working mum she reflected how her life changed when she started to focus on the small joys in life like walking in nature and enjoying the begrudging hugs of her maturing teenage sons that she insisted on receiving.  Personally for me, the absence of bird calls that I encountered when travelling in China and Eastern Germany reminded me of the simple joy of waking up each morning to the sounds of birds in full song on the Coast.

In our busy rhythm of life, it is easy to lose sight of the small joys that surround us every day.  Growing the habit in ourselves and our families from a very young age of noticing and appreciating the small joys in life helps us to recognise the abundance we have in our lives on a daily basis. This habit can also reduce the anxiety that can come from a mindset where we always want more or need to do more.

School holidays provide the opportunity for a change in rhythm and a time to recognise and celebrate the small joys.  Jesus used God’s care for the birds in the air as an example to encourage us to let go and trust that God will provide for our daily needs.  What are the small joys in your life that could enjoy a greater daily focus?