Slipping Pearls: Finding Joy is Simple

“After all,” Anne had said to Marilla once, “I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.”—L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

If you live to be eighty years old, you will be on this earth for 29,200 days, which equals 700,800 hours of life! Most of those 29,000+ days will be filled with “everyday” things: school or work, care of possessions, eating, sleeping, entertaining hobbies, and spending time with those you care about.  And though the “every days”  may not seem at all wonderful or splendid,  like one pearl falling from a whole strand, together they make up our lifetime just like many pearls make a beautiful necklace when strung together.

The Book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament talks about how to live your daily life: This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink, and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart. (Eccl. 5: 18-20 NIV)

The gifts of God are for whosoever will believe and receive them, and gladness of heart is one of those precious gifts He offers.  And true joy comes from inside. It is not based on what happens around us.  What is the  secret to finding joy in today, however ordinary it is? It is  in  focusing on  the little things around us: warm sunshine, soft cleansing rain, the laughter of little children, the smell of hot coffee, not being in constant physical pain, having five senses to enjoy what’s around us… like little pearls.

The high-spirited young subject in Anne of Avonlea had wisdom beyond her  years to look around and enjoy life’s small offerings.  My hope for you is that you will enjoy your “every day” today.  It may require effort on your part, especially if you’re facing difficulties. But with God’s help, you will find joy. Today brings with it a fresh start, what will you do to be sure you don’t miss the “simple little pleasures following one another softly?”