Along the walkway to my front door there’s a beautiful shrub covered in tiny purple flowers. It looks especially pretty as the fall temperatures drop, and lately I’m not the only one loving it. When you pass by it these days you’ll hear the hymn of busy bees doing their work.
Most days I walk by without giving it much thought, but this time was different. In my practice of gratitude I decided to stop and watch because I’ve been feeling led to give thanks for the little things. Which really begins with taking the time to pause and notice what I usually take for granted each day. Couple that with the fact that I believe creation reveals God’s character, and I wonder if these bees have something to teach me.
I lean down to get a closer look, even try to snap a picture. These bees are busy. They rarely stop, constantly moving from flower to flower with great skill and ease. I marvel at their little wings, legs dangling midair, and the song they sing. They seem happy, undisturbed by my presence, focused on the job at hand.
I think… Oh, to be that satisfied.
I tend to always look ahead. Living in the future of what I believe might satisfy others and myself. I like to dream big, consider all the obstacles, prepare for the upcoming dangers. I’m guilty of rushing through what I think is the mundane business of the day in order to get to the next thing. The thing that might satisfy.
Truth is this kind of satisfaction never stays.
Writing these words reveals the ugly of my unsatisfied nature. It’s messy. It’s yucky. If I’m unaware, it can drive my decisions, my attention, and my attitude. Left to its own way, my unsatisfied self only sees what needs fixing and focuses on all the wrong in my world.
There’s a lesson to be learned in giving thanks for small things. When I intentionally practice looking for beauty, truth, and goodness, my disatisfaction becomes almost silent. My focus shifts from me to God.
I begin to experience satisfaction in who God is, and who I am.
The words written in Psalm 17 become a reality and not just wishful thinking.
As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face;
when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
Psalm 17:15 NIV
Becoming satisfied doesn’t deny all the trouble, nor does it reframe bad as good. It simply awakens my soul to the One who paid the price. The One who endured the blame that I might be blameless in it all.
So I continue the practice of gratitude in the little things. With each thanksgiving I sense a shift in my heart, a satisfaction in seeing the likeness and image of God in the world, in others, and in me.
I pray you are discovering satisfaction in giving thanks too.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1 NLT
As the days grow shorter, you may find more time for prayer and meditation. I invite you to explore the Discover God’s Way podcast where you’ll find guided meditations on the Psalms. I’m especially thankful to release four new episodes this week.
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