Back in December, Joe and I spent a couple days on Amelia Island to celebrate our anniversary.  One of my favorite places to visit was their Art Gallery, featuring artists from that county only.  Now purchasing large oil paintings is far above my budget, but I did fall in love with one small print, a colored pencil drawing of a simple bluebird.  It was elegant in its simplicity, and it made its way to my suitcase.  Now framed, it hangs where I see it often.  Something so simple became something so special. 

Is that often the way with life?  What do we appreciate the most?   I think it’s often something very simple.  Over the holidays I received a letter from a childhood friend, written painstakingly because of her sight loss.  Oh, how special that was.  A small stocking gift from a son who remembered that his mom loved maple sugar candy.  Yes, it too was special.  A small flowering plant from my neighbor, just to say thanks for helping me.  It was the thought that counted, and it too was special.  

I’m reminded of the hymn “Tis the gift to be simple.”   This Shaker dancing song was composed by Elder Joseph Brackett in 1848.  The Shakers value simplicity in their lives and actions.  Their happiness does not depend on fancy things and luxuries, just the gift of living simply together, to be where they ought to be.  And, the place that was just right would be in the “valley of love and delight.”

Let’s keep it simple.  We can serve our Lord with the simple things.  We can serve our neighbors with simple words and actions.  We don’t need to be extravagant, just thankful for our simple gifts and blessings.  Then living in the “valley of love,” we can generously share; just as our heavenly father shares his love generously and unconditionally with us.

Judy