I have a vivid memory of Beej when he was a little younger. I have shared his propensity and joy in surprising me, and intentionally initiating "conflict." One of the things he enjoyed were Nerf toys. I remember him finding fulfillment in the simplest ways.

One day I was deeply involved in a book. It had been quiet for quite some time. The dog lay at my feet (as he often did), and I was completely wrapped up in the moment. Then it happened. The most unusual sound erupted and seemed to last forever. Before I could figure out what was happening, I was being pelted repeatedly... all over my body, and the dog who had been most rudely awakened out of a dead sleep, took off with a yelp.

When I finally collected my faculties, the moment was over, and Beej had disappeared around the corner. All I could hear was intense laughter from the other end of the house. All around me on the floor were Nerf darts. I had been obliterated by a rapid-fire Nerf gun. From that moment on, the dog tucked his tail between his legs and ran for dark corners, anytime he saw BJ with this weapon.

Of course I pursued him, and "gently" took his weapon, reloaded, and unleashed a fury back at him. Throughout, he was doubled over with insane laughter.

Soon, we had two similar weapons, and would hunt each other down. The poor dog. He could not keep up, and was so frightened.

Finding pleasure in these simplest of moments was clearly something I took for granted. I wish I had initiated more such times.

Too often, we are inundated in a rapid-fire manner by what the world would introduce as "pleasure_filled" gimmicks. Soon we find we are embracing them without a thought. We forget to test these things against scripture, to see if they stand. Before we know it, we are traveling a road which is wide, and filled with others who look just like us.

"Come out and be separate! Find your joy in the simple things of God." This is the resounding lesson which echoes through my mind. I find that while I am alone, separated from my family, I must repeatedly reflect on His grace and provision, or be submerged with things that seem right, but drag me down.

If we truly approach our God as a child, the simple things will be enough. Joy will come in those moments we too often take for granted.

Be Blessed!

dad