DELIGHTFUL DISTRACTIONS

1–2 minutes

My wife of ten years and I have a nice routine of walking down the same dead-end side street nearly every night. Nestled in a slightly upscale housing area here in Mooresville, NC, that’s been around for forty years, this quiet lane is our regular retreat. Over time, we’ve gotten to know several tenants—mostly seniors—whose friendly smiles add a bit of warmth to our walks. The street, tucked between golf course holes, often surprises us with a stray ball from an off-target golfer, giving us a small laugh.

Last night was special, with summer in full swing. Fireflies lit up the path with flashes of joy, their gentle glow symbolizing hope and the quiet light we carry into these satisfying sunset years. We used my wife’s new bird sound app to identify a few local birds. We heard the distinctive caw of the Fish Crow, the bright trill of the Northern Cardinal, the cheerful chickadee-dee of the Carolina Chickadee, the lively song of the Carolina Wren, the soft call of the Brown-headed Nuthatch, and the clear whistle of the Tufted Titmouse. Our conversation was pleasant and uplifting as we enjoyed the evening. These moments remind me how grateful I am for our time together.

As usual, we settled into our lift recliners afterward, ready for our nightly binge-watch. With the TV on and each other’s company, I couldn’t help but think—God is good to give us this simple joy! This brings to mind Psalm 118:24, which says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” It’s a gentle reminder to find joy in the small, everyday blessings around us.

So, I wonder—how can you pause today to appreciate the simple gifts in your life?

Let’s pray: Dear Lord, thank You for the beauty of a summer night, the company of loved ones, and the little joys that brighten our days. Help us to see and savor Your goodness. Amen.

Served with a side of Grok-amole!™ (Image and Writing Assisted with X’s Grok AI engine)