Whether it was very early or very late, I do not recall. But laying still in the dark, too tired to get up, too awake to close my eyes... my mind wandered, and my thoughts were drawn to the subject of "greatness." Or the lack of it, really. I was musing over ideas like simplicity, humility, and the profundity of being content with little. That is not naturally who I am. I would love to have every little gadget from all the sales papers, and feel most at home when I am the life of the party, or seated at the head of the table.
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But here, we have an unassuming little house sparrow. It goes about its business, singing its song. Nothing fancy, but the life it lives glorifies its Creator. The Son of God didn't store up a mountain of stuff, and served his disciples, even stooping to wash their feet. May I be a good student of these observations, and let the glory be directed where it belongs.
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16 comments:
Ah yes remember he knows you fiber and being! even the hairs on your head! He is so awesome!
The simple life is Good. All should remember that. Thanks Craver.
But please don't take away my laptop or camera. ;-)
What wonderful thoughts and comments. I keep telling myself I want a simple life, but I do enjoy my 'toys'. Perhaps I should be more like the sparrow.
Miss you brother. Hope you are well. Sounds like you are.
Craver: Nicely shown and told.
Oh for the simple life! Nice post and I love the picture.
You meek?? NEVER!! :) It is not so much in material things but the zest for life which counts.
We could all learn from the sparrows, that's for sure!
thanks for sharing those musings. amazing how the small things give big lessons.
Mommanator, it is rewarding when a word or deed (or even photograph) finds a response of doxology. A fringe benefit of following Jesus is that we servants can feel uplifted when God is worshiped. Bless the Lord, oh my soul.
Oh, I would not dream of messing with the laptop or camera Gaelyn. Yours are used to produce beautiful pictures from your area and to be a nice neighbor. :-)
It is a wise man who finds a reasonable balance in these things, George. I have a hunch you are a person of good judgment.
ChosenRebel, I miss you too. I have never really sat down and just visited with you, except probably a couple times at your home. When I see you in the lobby, I hesitate to disrupt your conversations, but when I walk by and pat you on the back or tap your shoulder, please interpret that as a hearty handshake or a hug. I have always had admiration for the passion with which you carry out your work. Please remember me in your prayers.
I'm glad you liked both aspects of this post, Fishing Guy. Have a great weekend, Pal.
Wonderful words! We should concentrate more on the blessing we have instead to be always wanting more.
Nice photo. I posted a picture of a sparrow too!
Releasing our grip on stuff and busy-ness is like removing a heavy backpack, Dot. That's why sometimes we just need to get away from it all.
(lol) Me meek? YES! Joan, the man who holds nothing is held by nothing. I want to be able to look at all the stuff of the world, know that it ultimately belongs to God, and so do I. There is a profound satisfaction in that kind of contentment. Plus, I hope to learn to be a better follower of Jesus in this. Believe it or not, that perspective does not rob the zest in life, but actually enriches it.
EG, I am aware that some animistic religions go farther than I would on the lessons we learn from observation, and as a reaction, the pendulum sometimes swings too far in the opposite reaction. I desire wisdom as much (or more) than creative expression.
Yes indeedy Lime. All that, and more for those who have eyes to see.
Happyone, you may have expressed my sentiments better than I did. Thanks for your comment.
Vivid photo. Just wonderful on the eyes.
My wife and I like to feed the birds in our back yard. And I take photos. Birds are one of God's most wonerdful creations.
And not one bird in the whole earth ever falls to the ground aside from God's will.
Meekness to me is having a heart that longs to see Christ glorified and honored.
And so it's the purpose of the heart and mind which makes the attitude I think.
Made me think of this song for some reason:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/h/ohiljesu.htm
"O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
Because He first loved me!"
Have a terrific Lord's Day Craver!
I really like the colours in this photo.
I'm trying to live a simple life too, rather like the sparrow.
I often think of the monks who live in the mountains in Asia, how they shave their heads and give up everything. And they find true happiness. I personally find it so hard to believe, I'm cozy in my things, and I too would like to have all the little gadgets (for photography mainly, heehee), but they do find happiness! I think that's one of the most incredible and passionate things I have ever heard of :)
Sandman, I once heard a blues version of that song that I'm sure you would like. It was a choir that sang with syncopation. They abruptly stopped the Oh (rest 2, 3) How I love Jesus...
Enjoy the benefits of simplicity, Shammy.
I guess I never saw it that way, Leeloo. When I see those monks, my heart breaks for those who are headed to a Christ-less eternity. But some time I hope to revisit here the mindset of sojourners versus settlers, and why a person's attitude makes all the difference.
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