Mrs. Peasant's Manifesto: Finding Joy in Small Things

Spring, 1864. William McTaggart

What shall I render to the Lord, 

for all the things he hath rendered unto me?

PSALM 115:12  DOUAY-RHEIMS

I find joy in small things. It is very easy for me to do. Mr. Peasant asked me to write about finding joy in small things. I told him I would try. I haven't really thought about it. I do notice that I can find joy easily and some people can't. So, I'll try to share my view. 

In my childhood movie memories, there are two types of people, Annie and Veruca Salt. Veruca Salt was an awful, spoiled, demanding, ungrateful girl. And, back then, nobody wanted to be like her. Her famous line was "I want it now." Annie was a smiling saint that was given very little. That made an impression on me. How could the rich, spoiled girl that got anything and everything she ever wanted be so ungrateful and miserable? And how could sweet little Annie who didn't even have a family be so hopeful? 

Little Orphan Annie, August 5, 1924. Harold Gray

 

Another example would be The Princess who could feel the irritation of a single pea under 20 mattresses versus Cinderella who feels gratitude in spite of her low circumstances.

Edmund Dulac The Princess and the Pea, 1911.

Cinderella, 1930. Otto Kubel

I think there were some big things I wanted in life. I was like everyone else. Thankfully I never got any of them. I never had the chance to get whisked away by the world, accomplishments, or career. I never had  money, so I never could find much joy in it. I've told myself no so many times. I have had to deny myself most of my wants. And even the needs weren't easy to cover.  So, when a good thing came my way, I was sure grateful for it. And I hold on to thankfulness forever. I never forget each kindness or gift. You get better at denying yourself the longer time goes. Eventually, you feel uncomfortable with fancy stuff. 

The richest men in the world today are not religious. They have all the bounty, the money, the best clothes, food, comforts, and all their hearts desire. And none of them love the Lord.  None of them are grateful to Him. Then, I see very poor people from Africa. They do love the Lord. I think you can become desensitized to goodness. 

From the ages 18 to 42, I have had to wash my clothes at the laundromat. It gets really old lugging sacks of dirty clothes from the apartment to your car, getting quarters from your bank, sharing appliances with questionable people, and being trapped there for 2 hours. I have even had my clothes stolen at the laundromat. When we bought our house, I bought a basic washer and a used dryer. It was one of the happiest days of my life. We have been here for 4 years now. Every time I start a load of wash I say "Thank you Jesus." I am so happy even though it's the 300th load. My gratitude remains. My joy remains. I know people who have always washed their clothes at home who do not thank the Lord for the convenience. After 24 years of shady laundromats, I praise God for every load. Gratitude fills my heart with joy. I recall hard or sad times easily and remind myself of God's goodness.

Bless the Lord, O my soul: 

and let all that is within me bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, 

and never forget all he hath done for thee.

-PSALM 102:1 DOUAY-RHEIMS

Drawing, Girl on a Swing, 1879 Winslow Homer

Years ago, I read this profound blog post that has stuck with me. I read it after I lost my job, and we were down to one income. She states that we (women) should try to live on whatever our husbands bring home however small or large because God has provided for you with that amount. She said you may not like what He provided you with, but HE HAS PROVIDED FOR YOU. It is our job to take that money and make the most with it. 

It stuck with me because God is good. You may have wanted this and got that. But we should want what God gives us. We should praise Him and acknowledge it as a blessing. We choose to be grateful to the Lord. Veruca Salt would never be satisfied. I choose to be satisfied. You can choose to be satisfied. I choose to be grateful. I want to honor God in His goodness. I want to tell everyone all the good things God has done for me whether it be a beautiful day outside or a delicious meal or a green light. I try to always remind myself of God's goodness. That is how I find joy in small things. 

O Lord, for I am thy servant: 

I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid. 

Thou hast broken my bonds:

I will sacrifice to thee the sacrifice of praise, 

and I will call upon the name of the Lord.

PSALM 115:16  DOUAY-RHEIMS

Drawing, Girl on a Swing, 1879 Winslow Homer