Make Some Noise for the Simple Joys

How much do you think you could learn from the average six-year-old? There may be plenty of little innocent things to rediscover from your childhood, but could the words of a young child stretch your mental capacity to its limits? Most likely not. However, Bill Watterson's comic strip figure Calvin is not your typical little boy; he's a wealth of intellect and a great source of inspiration to an audience far older than himself. Hopefully this week's strip will get your brain thinking!

                                                     Cartoon by Bill Watterson.

If watching Hobbes curl up in the sun in true bliss doesn't make you warm and fuzzy inside, what does? Hobbes isn't rich; in fact he doesn't really have anything because he's a stuffed tiger! All he has is his freedom, his thoughts, his best friend, and a big sunny field. Yet, there's something so indescribably uplifting about the type of peace Hobbes has found. Not weighed down by the cares and worries of the world, Hobbes is perfectly content with his simple, yet beautiful blessings.

If we lived our lives with the outlook Hobbes takes, we'd be much happier people. In a generation that's been given so much, we have everything we could ever need and more. For joy, peace, and satisfaction, why look any further than what we already have? We're earning a wonderful education in a free country, surrounded by people that care about our future and want to see us succeed! If you have a terrible day today, remember that before you go to bed. I doubt you'll fall asleep sad.

Yet, in light of these wonderful gifts, we still tend to neglect the little things. If we could learn to appreciate the simple things in life, we'd never have a day without joy! Of course we'd still face days of disappointment and sadness, but if we looked carefully at our surroundings, we could find uplifting things anywhere. I've made a brief list of a few things that make my day. Feel free to share one of your own if you make a comment!

       
                               This photo is compliments of Steven Johnson.

1) Catching fireflies in the summer
2) My favorite song coming up on Pandora
3) A cold glass of chocolate milk after a long run
4) Getting a letter from a friend
5) Burt's Bees chapstick

The simple things in life are truly beautiful to the heart that appreciates what it has instead of longing for what it lacks. For Hobbes it's a big sunny field. From a worldly perspective, Calvin initially fails to comprehend that basic satisfaction and peace. However, realization strikes him in the end, as it hits every one of us. After all, what's the difference between being a millionaire and being completely broke if you can sit in the sun with a smile on your face? Calvin and Hobbes have each other; what more could they ask for?

Hebrews 13:5 says "Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For He has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" I suppose that's a pretty good way to live.