The Simple Things
I went to a Jim Brickman concert a week or so ago. His concerts are always great and I found myself thinking of the many times I’ve been to one of them.
I often listen to his music with my eyes closed. It always relaxes me and I find a sense of renewal. Frequently I will make notes about the selections he blends together and come back home to play them on my piano.
In all but a few of the Brickman concerts I’ve been to, Ann Cochran – a childhood friend Jim has been performing with for years – appeared with him. This time, she sang a song he composed called “Simple Things.”
“Simple Things” has a great message – that it’s really the simple things that are most important … and all of them are free. Some of those things mentioned are the sun, the moon, the stars, the first leaves off the tree, the way you look at me, the way you say my name, the thunder, the rain, the way we feel tonight, yes, the simple things.
We all know life is full of ups and downs. Some of us think of a glass as half full. Some think of it as half empty.
I guess, in the big scheme of things, it’s really what we make of life as it comes at us. It’s just like those funny, and not so funny, Nationwide commercials “Life Comes at You Fast.”
Since most of us live a fast paced life, it would behoove us to sit for a few minutes and think about what is necessary, and what is not so necessary about our busy lives.
We do have to make a living for us and/or our family. But do we really have to work 60+ hours a week doing it? Is our life so full of work related things that we have to fit our family in to the schedule? Do we work so hard that we don’t have time to take care of ourselves or our bodies – both physically and spiritually? Are you one of those that takes care of everything and everyone first before taking care of yourself? Do you use that as an excuse?
While I do take the time to appreciate and enjoy the “simple things” I also don’t do as good a job at taking care of myself as I should.
The only one who can take us back to a manageable place in our lives is each of us individually. It really should be quite simple to reorganize our lives to be a bit healthier. We can make the changes we need to if we want to bad enough…or if circumstances force us to along the way.
My wish for you today is that you are able to sort through all the unnecessary things that take up lots of time and get down to more of the “simple things” in your life. While there are those out there that want to be known for who they are in the business world, when reality hits the road, it’s just a job that gives us the money to do what we think is important in life. Adjusting our thoughts to simpler things – like family and friends – can help us live a longer and more satisfying life. Yes, it’s the simple things in life that are MOST important. May you find those and embrace them as you walk life’s path.
~ Joellen