Wed., May 16, 2018

Acts 16:34 – The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. 

A couple weeks ago, Hubby Rick and I happily set up our wonderful porch for spring and summer. (See: https://simplewordsoffaith.com/2018/04/29/gratitude-day-27-the-porch-is-open/) We so enjoy this living space when the weather allows.

I am in this mode of reducing the amount of possessions I have. Maybe you also read recently that the average American home has something like 300,000 items. Seriously? I am not going to count. I am working on having less.

Yet, when I was picking up a gift recently, I saw these colorful plastic glasses. Just the colors I like to use to decorate the porch. They were less than $4 for all 8. It took me about 2.5 seconds to put them into the cart. Then, I found some super cute plates that matched the glasses. They were a little more expensive: $1.99 each. At first, I had four in my hand. Then 6. I quickly did the math. For less than $20, I could have some fun and springy new plates and glasses for our porch. Done deal.

A couple days later, I made brunch. We love eggs for bunch. I made a little extra effort this day, adding spinach, cheese and other veggies. The additional color in the eggs made the plates look even prettier.

It was a beautiful spring day. Naturally, we would eat on the porch. I was so excited to put the plates and glasses on this wooden tray, which I use to carry things to the porch. It was my Grandma Deaton’s tray, made by my Grandpa Deaton. She used the tray to carry meals out to their screened-in porch in central Iowa. It was a favorite place to eat when we visited their house.

I think brunch tasted even better on these pretty plates. The porch was filled with joy. Over some silly plates and glasses. I know … it’s rather ridiculous. But when joy fills our hearts, it is a good day.

I have a box in which I’m gathering things to donate. I did pull out 8 beat-up plastic glasses and put them in the give-away box before giving the new glasses a home. I know, it’s just a wash … but at least it’s not adding.

As much as I am trying to get rid of, it is amazing the joy these new items have brought into my heart.

For this, I am grateful.

The joy of something simple can so brighten a day, Lord God. May we find joy in some little thing today.  Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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