Keeping It Simple

I just finished watching Sandy Patty's rendition of "We Shall Behold Him." There was Dottie Rambo in the background. I admit, feelings of awe overcame me. I remember Sandy singing that song so many years ago. The song itself is wonderful but simply profound. It got me to thinking about simpler days in my life. I just wonder sometimes if things are just moving way too quickly? I know many have already spoken or written on such topics. I'm just one of the myriads who has as well.

Last Saturday was a fun day. Rosemary and I went for a drive through the country. Then we then stopped at the all-too-famous hot dog stand in the town where she lives. Curb side service. Hot dogs, fries and a mug of root beer. The weather cooperated with a sunny sky albeit a slight breezy wind. However, I was content. Later, we drove down by the park. We sat on a bench overlooking the river. We conversed about things in life, current events and about faith in God. She said, "Isn't this peaceful?" I couldn't have agreed more.

These days we have microwave in a minute meals, Direct TV, cellphones that not only take calls but will play music, instant news and weather from the internet and a host of other things. But, I just wonder, are we really better? We get out monthly cellular bill and find an error and spend an hour waiting for a rep from the Phillipines to figure it all out. We get bombarded by ads saying we'll have a better life if we buy their products. And so it goes.

I'm not saying that I'd give up modern conveniences as an example. But, how much is enough? When I was a boy growing up in the country I had trees to climb, fields to run in, baseball to play and a lawn to lie on and stare at the clouds. I had a hymnal that I would carry behind the house and sing out of, a dime store bible to read and with all of that, a very big God who loved me. And still does!

I'm finding more and more that I'm compelled to spend time at the park at the end of town. I sat and watched the ducks on the river, looked at the geese and glanced at the birds flying overhead. I heard the rustling of the water as it moved southward past my little nook on the edge of the roadside. Funny me and the things I think about. I thought the other day, "I'll plant a garden." Now, for those of you who "really" know me, that isn't my cup of tea, so to speak.

Am I growing old before my time? Yes and no. Maybe I'm just at a place to where God is slowing me down a bit to enjoy the simple things in life again. You could almost call it coming full circle. I've traveled so much in my life and enjoyed so many things I never dreamed possible. All in all, God has been good to me. Yes, even in the times I didn't think that he was. I just now thought of the old Twila Paris song, "Lord, You Have Been Good." He sure has.

Here's a statement that just makes so much sense. We think when we get older and we're not as hastily busy as before that we are not as useful! But, I must remember that all of this life is just preparation for the next. Our life here is just a shadow of things to come. I can't take credit for the statement. It was made by someone a lot wiser than me.

I hope that I won't ever forget the simple things in life that are far more important that all the baubles that surround us. Our real treasure is in heaven. And...most importantly, the greatest treasure resides in our hearts...and that my friends is the Lord himself. Be well and I hope all of you have a good week.