Don't miss the joy in simple moments

Little things in life deposit happiness into our hearts. And constant happiness may lead to a joyful life.

Little things that always put me in a happy mood—and for future reference if you’d like to surprise me with a gift ;) — are: a good cup of coffee, mint gum, walks, spontaneous trips, hugs, hellos, smiles, cake, chocolate, pumpkin seeds, flowers, reading, writing, and of course the list goes on!

I was home alone one morning and joy just bit me.

I just sat down on the love seat brown leather couch. Placed my cup of water in close vicinity to my right. The living room was a comfortable temperature for an August morning. I was in comfortable clothing, I was showered, my stomach was full, I was on my laptop reading and learning. It was quiet and still.

It was when I was in the middle of reading that I felt a sting of joy in my heart for that moment. I appreciated the simple event of being comfortable — and my college roommate can attest that I don’t enjoy being physically comfortable, I’m not sure if it’s because I feel like I always need to be on the move but I can’t seem to settle down at times.

A simple, joyful moment for me. 

It takes a lot for me to be still and quiet. And at that moment I realized that I didn’t feel rushed, I didn’t feel stressed or overwhelmed like I just had to read something because the unproductive cloud was hovering over me.

At that moment I didn’t want to move. I was sitting on the lap of God. I was sitting in His presence, which brings peace and understanding.

As I grow and mature I’m learning how to value the simple moments. When people or activity does not distract you, or you don’t miss a moment, you see all that you have and you just feel blessed.

It’s really the little things that cause happiness, but joy is in the heart. It’s when thankfulness and gratitude settles in and you’re hit with the big picture: your life is great.

You have joy.

You have peace.

Peace means trusting in God and having a steadfast mind. It should be constant, a way of life.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.

— Isaiah 26:3-4

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

— John 14:27

The only thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.

— Psalm 27:4

Edited April 2021