Joy in the Simplicity

I recently finished an anime named ARIA. I find it hard to watch many episodes in one sitting because the mood and pace is way too relaxing. It is about three girls who are training to become professional gondola rowers, and it focuses a lot in character development and interactions. It doesn't seem that exciting. But after finish watching it, I find that this series is one of my top favorites because it presents a very simple yet meaningful message.

The main character often marvels at the simplest of the things and is able to enjoy whatever she is doing no matter what the circumstances are. For example, she was waiting for hours to meet up with someone in a bridge (turns out that the meeting was supposed to be next week) but she got entertained by just looking at the people around her, and pondering where they are going. Well, that is an extreme example I guess.

I find that it is a very important lesson for me. I find myself in a society that pursues immediate gratification, entertainment, wanting to do big exciting things, etc. It is easy for me to get bored when nothing is going on. For me particularly, I always like to do things, and when I am not doing anything, I get quite bored. I start to think what people in the past did, when there were not many sources of entertainment, what did they do to pass the time? There are probably many other ways, but I think one big thing is to have appreciation for the simple things. For example, the weather, food on the table, having a roof, scenery, flowers, cool breeze, birds singing, sunrise, sunset, etc.

I find it very challenging to pay attention to these little things and often take them for granted. In my 3A work term (Summer 2008), I was working in Ottawa, a very cozy and beautiful city during summer. I started to learn a bit about how to appreciate the little things that God has given to me. I will spend a lot of time walking in the parks, contemplating the scenery and nice weather (appreciating His creation), and thinking of how satisfied I am with knowing that life is good because God loves me. This realization accompanied by constant prayer definitely edified me. It's wonderful because I realized that God is already blessing me so much with these simple little things in my life, and how can I keep from singing His praise??!!

I learned to be joyful, and that rejoicing in the Lord comes hand in hand with glorifying God, because all the joy I experienced is because and for the praise of His glory.

Life is full of difficulties and we often get stressed out, but we are to rejoice always:

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Life is a gift from God. We should already be thankful because we are alive in Christ, and it is to be lived at the fullness. Sometimes we like to expect big things from God, that He can use us to do powerful and exciting things. I agree that is good, we must have faith that the Spirit can do great things through us. But we also have to take joy when life seems simple and even monotonous. Because God is constantly pouring our His grace to us.

Stargazing is one of my favorite activities, because I think of Psalms 8. God formed the stars and heavens, and He still takes care of little human beings. Our God is so wonderful!

God does not control only the big things, but also the little things, and we will see that even the simple little things can become meaningful and be reasons of joy because of God.

Everything is for the praise of His glory!