Find Enjoyment in Everyday Life

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.  And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
~ Ecclesiastes 3:12-13, KJV ~

This is the time, this is the very hour, to repent of any evil in the past, to ask for forgiveness, to stand a little taller and then to go forward with confidence and faith.

And finally, in all of living have much of fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.
~ Gordon B. Hinckley – Stand True and Faithful ~

Part of our ability to endure suffering is by finding ways to enjoy life. Do things that bring us a sense of meaning and purpose. Cultivating a spirit of joy and not spin ourselves in frustration where we never achieve any happiness in this life. Today, examine yourself and look to see ideas of enjoyment, pleasure, delight that will nurture your soul.

Do not waste your time grieving over the fact that your life may feel empty because of a lack of enjoyment. For, it is only joy that brings true authentic happiness that sustains us during times of despair and struggle. God did not create us to merely endure mortality. He gave us the ability to enjoy the life we have been given. This is what Christ meant when he promised us an abundant life (see John 10:10).

This does not mean we depend on parties, traveling, movies, television, or other such entertainments. While nothing is wrong with these activities, our enjoyment comes from what we do day-to-day and find joy in the mundane. We feel deprived of our ability to enjoy life because of obligations of family, work, social pressures, Church callings. In fact, my daughter laments how that “chores” are boring. Who enjoys doing chores? Here is the root of our disappointments, displeasure, and consternation.

Don’t do daily things just do do them:

To my mind, the idea that doing dishes is unpleasant can occur to us only when we are not doing them. Once we are standing in front of the sink with our sleeves rolled up and our hands in warm water, it is really not bad at all. I enjoy taking my time with each dish, being fully aware of the dish, the water, and each movement of my hands. I know that if I hurry in order to go and have dessert, the time will be unpleasant, not worth living. That would be a pity, for every second of life is a miracle. The dishes themselves and the fact that I am here washing them are miracles!

Thic Nhat Hanh – Washing Dishes

Part of enduring this life – and being of good cheer – is reminding ourselves to find and enjoy those everyday moments in life. Not concerned about what needs to be done next. Not worried about what may or may not happen. Simply be mindful and experience each moment as it is passing us by. A gift to live life in its fullness.

Christian Joy is not merely about enduring hardships and sufferings – it is about finding joy in the mundane and every day things of life. #BeofGoodCheer

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It is time to allow ourselves permission to enjoy the thousands of little things that occur in our daily lives. Enjoy a sunrise, a sunset, sound of birds chirping, the crispness of the cold air, the fresh scent after a day of rain, the warm cup of hot coco or tea. All the little things we fail to pay mindful attention to.

Christian Joy is not merely about enduring hardships and sufferings – it is about finding joy in the mundane and every day things of life. How we are to be of good cheer means we find ways to allow ourselves a sense of belonging and freedom in mindful focus on the little things in life.

Today’s prayer and meditation

Heavenly Father, I ask that you help me become more mindful of ways to enjoy the mundane things of every day life. Help me see the joy in the simple tasks of chores, experiencing the little moments where I sharpen my perception of how much there is to enjoy. Even in the ordinary things and happenings. Let me be receptive and I ask that there is restoration to my capacity for child-like awe and wonder, Amen