GOD SEEMS YOUNGER THAN US
I came across a quote recently that made me stop and think: “Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, “Do it again”; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. Grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, “Do it again” to the sun; and every evening, “Do it again” to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.” Quoted from “Orthodoxy”, by G. K. Chesterton
We seem to always want something newer, bigger and better. Often we aren’t satisfied with the same simply joys of childhood. We need something greater to excite and entertain us. It’s so easy to overlook a butterfly, a sunset or a little baby because we have become jaded by all the electronic and digital devices and programs that capture our attention.
When we are in India we live a much simpler, more basic life. Plain, basic magic tricks by an amateur such as me are highly entertaining. A free pen is greatly appreciated. A good meal is something to enjoy for a long time. Clean drinking water, a few hours of electricity each day, time to talk to a friend and a safe place to sleep at night – these are the things we come to appreciate. They are the same basics of life we often find monotonous in this country.
Perhaps we should be more like children and better appreciate the basics in life. If God doesn’t tire of them, neither should we.
Job 12:7-12 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food? Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?
1 Corinthians 2:2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
Can you find enjoyment seen in the same things that happen day after day, like God does?
Can you enjoy the simple things of life, or do you seem too distracted and busy to appreciate them?
What are some of the simple, basic things in life that still bring joy and pleasure? Thank God for them.