Good Things

By Janet Keefe

There is something about “stick season”, when the trees are bare and the leaves rattle and swish in the wind. I love seeing multiple cars parked outside a house with a now-barren landscape. It speaks to me of simple pleasures, of families together, waiting for homemade baked beans to finish cooking or tea and chatter during a nothing-special day.

I have had many frightening, lonely times when I have known desperation and loss. Despite the many platitudes spoken  about not fearing  in the Bible (Isaiah 41:10 comes to mind), I have been  terrified I would be unable to provide for myself and my son as a single mom. I have lost jobs and been close to being homeless.  So, I rejoice in simple things that show me God is caring for me.  I rejoice in the little things that demonstrate to me that one of God’s names is, “Jehovah Jireh, the LORD Will Provide” (Genesis 22:14). 

I find joy in small things, like tending a friend’s chickens and finding eggs freshly laid and still warm. I get fairly giddy fishing in the lakes or rivers near my home and feeling that urgent tug on my line reminding me that God is blessing me, providing food for me. Being outside, embraced by a warm breeze  or watching little birds flitter and dive above the surface of the water while I’m fishing only adds to my delight.

I am thankful to God for the good things He brings. Some of these things may seem humble, like staying home under a cozy blanket with a lovely cup of coffee, but when rubbing against the possibility of homelessness, it is a lavish gift.  Home is a place where I am able to feel warm and feel safe. I can grab a glass of water or toss some Ramen in the microwave for a snack, then go back to surfing the internet. Having the ability to have access to any of these things is remarkable. To have access to all of these things at the same time shows me how much God has provided for me on a mundane Saturday afternoon. 

I could go into detail about God’s many promises and certainly you can, too.  God tells us in His word that His gifts have and will continue to be abundant and beyond our imagination.  Jesus speaks about lavish mansions where He is preparing a place for us (John 14:2).  Reflecting on the promises of a future with Him are amazing, but that is not the point that I am attempting to make.  Rather, I want to encourage you to look each day at the small things He provides that give you comfort and give you rest . These brief moments and small pleasures are tiny, precious things that God Himself brings specifically and uniquely to you, to bring you peace, to bring you joy, to let you know that He cares for you. It is He who brings these good, good things. It is He who cares for each of us. It is He who loves to Provide.