Seeking and seeing joy in the world

Sometimes I think the world could be fixed if we just had a roll of duct tape large enough. If we were marooned in the wilderness with only a bag containing a roll of tie wire and Velcro we could probably survive for years. Throw in a Swiss army knife along with a can of WD-40 and we could, maybe, live comfortably for decades.

Although these items would come in very handy, the only thing we really would need in that bag was a bible, the inspired word of God.

Sometimes I think the world could be fixed if we just had a roll of duct tape large enough. If we were marooned in the wilderness with only a bag containing a roll of tie wire and Velcro we could probably survive for years. Throw in a Swiss army knife along with a can of WD-40 and we could, maybe, live comfortably for decades.

Although these items would come in very handy, the only thing we really would need in that bag was a bible, the inspired word of God.

From the book of Genesis, where God explains how He created everything, to the book of Revelation, where God explains our future destiny, every single word and sentence has something for us to discover about the world in which we live. I am very thankful God inspired these men to carefully record exactly what He wanted to say to us. So for this Thanksgiving, the first thing I am giving thanks for is the word of God.

I am also thankful for bright, warm sunny days that never seem to want to end. They would be the kind of days that are filled with sweet aromas of roses, star jasmine and salty ocean air. The wind would be gently blowing my hair back out of my eyes just as the bow of my sail boat bounced off the crest of another rolling wave. A group of Pelicans would be gliding silently through the air maintaining a perfect chevron flight. For a moment, time would stand perfectly still and I find myself wishing I was eternally banished into this place, forever looking to the horizon in search of adventure.

As much as I like November’s delightfully lazy afternoons, I would joyfully give them all up for a crisp December snow flurry. There is a moment right before it begins to snow when the air is so still it is as if all of heaven’s angels have just inhaled and are awaiting their cue to let the storehouses of snow open. It is quite wonderful to lie on the ground completely bundled up in all manner of wool: a scarf, sweater, mittens and sheepskin boots. Next comes the calming silence which completely envelopes you as lie there waiting and gazing up into the stormy gray sky. Then suddenly, out of nowhere you spot them, beautiful unique frozen flakes that gently swirl down and land on your eyelashes.

I am also thankful for the end of the day when the boots come off and work disappears along with all my burdens, temporarily disappearing from my memory like yesterday’s setting sun. The lights dim and take a back seat to a blazing warm fire that has been kindled in the living room wood stove just as the tea kettle begins to whistle. After pouring a cup of tea, I settle into my easy chair, grab my leather bound first addition of Sherlock Holmes and quickly find myself transported into another time and place. I would be lost in distant folds of my imagination forever if it was not for the timer on the microwave rhythmically chiming, reminding me that I need to eat.

There is a long and winding road that leads to my house. It is a very pleasant drive and I find that it really relaxes me. I know I am getting close to home when I leave the asphalt and wind my way up into the granite fortresses of Gaskill Peak.

Usually, you can spot two hawks circling overhead and a black and white checkered peregrine falcon darting through my father’s vineyard. Depending on the time of year, you might even catch a glimpse of a rattlesnake, fox or even a tarantula walking across the sandy road. All these creatures, both great and small, are my friends but it is not until I am opening my front door that I find what I am truly thankful for.

What I am truly thankful for is my family. It is wonderful to have loved ones around with whom I can let my hair down and vent my frustrations. I am thankful for my children too, even teenagers, who constantly remind me that I have a lot yet to learn, and a wife who shares in all my joy, sorrow, pain, as well as my triumphs. Because without our friends and family, our houses would be empty and cold; there would be no one to share a hearth fire with or sing to and dance with.

To all you who are alone, do not despair for God is there for you. He is a good and gentle Father. Discovering a relationship with Him is the first step in finding community. Joy, peace and fellowship with one another only takes place when we surrender our hearts to God.