Simple Pleasures

Megan & happy David (2 yrs!)

Pointing out a flying bird.
Throwing a ball. 
Smacking bubbles out of the air.
Patting a dog.
Driving a toy car off an edge.
Finding bottle cap on the ground.
Eating dry cereal.
Running into a hug.

These are the joys of David, our 2 year old birthday boy.  At the same time that we see him finding pleasure in simple things, we also see his desires becoming more complex.  The problem is, he doesn’t have the language yet to express those complex desires.  He cries and points, and we guess, “Is this what you want?  This?  That?”  The trial and error method is not very effective, but what can we do?  Sometimes, it seems like he says “no” to absolutely everything and we conclude that maybe he simply doesn’t know what he wants.

David & bubbles on birthday

Thinking about the joy David takes in simple things makes us think about our own desires.  Being away from the islands, we have our own list of simple pleasures that can’t be found on the islands:

a hot shower
ice cream
cheese
chocolate
bacon
one-stop shopping
fast internet
But of course, we have plenty of complex desires too.  We want love and purpose, fulfillment in our work, effectiveness.  We have big hopes and dreams for the islands, and for all our friends and brothers and sisters there.  And sometimes we get so frustrated with ourselves and others, or just feel a general malaise, or even start to feel down without a clear reason.  Maybe, at those times, we’re wanting something but can’t put our finger on what we want or how to make it happen. Or maybe it is just out of our control.

“Let the little children come to me, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

I imagine this teaching could be applied on many levels, but one of them I believe has to do with our desires.  We want so many things.  Our desires get more and more complex, but only one thing is needed.  Are we willing to simplify our desires? To come to the one who knows our hearts, who understands our desires and needs, and has shown Himself faithful?

Our family on David's BD in South Africa

PRAYERS ANSWERED
We’ve had a lot of fun with Tom’s parents seeing a few sites in Joburg and just enjoying each other’s company.  We’ve been able to get most of the things done we wanted to do. David turned 2 years old! He is our healthy, happy little boy and we are very thankful for him. 

PRAYERS REQUESTED
We head back to Clove Island with Tom’s parents on Tuesday.  Traveling with Megan’s back and the kids is always tough, but this is made tougher by starting with a red-eye.  Also, we plan to take the boat from Volcano Island to Clove Island-which isn’t always smooth sailing.  Please pray for safe and easy travels.  Tom’s parents will have about a week with us on Clove Island.  Pray that their visit goes well.  It’s always a bit tough adjusting back to island life, so pray that we will be able to get back into things quickly.  Please pray for Megan’s back to be healed.  The PT brings pain and it’s sometimes hard to know what pain is necessary.