Thankful Thursday: Simple Pleasures

"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:15

Irresistible spring warmth brought excitement to her little face and we spent the day indulging in simple pleasures.

Underneath God's clear blue sky we cracked open the sandbox for the first time this year. Her little hands busied themselves baking sandcastle birthday cakes in green pails with twig candles and singing our best rendition of "Happy Birthday" for every family member near and far.

She stirred chocolate milkshakes in orange cups with red spoons and asked "How is it Grams?" to which I answered, "Delicious!"

We cracked open a rainbow in a big yellow box and the artist in us both leaped onto the cool black asphalt canvas. Our imaginations soared from crouching mama and baby cats hiding in cool green grass to birds soaring under a smiling yellow sun until Mr. Moon peeked out behind that tree.

She jumped on imaginary trampolines drawn in pink until her legs grew tired and her tummy rumbled. And we discussed all her curiosities between bites of chicken nuggets covered in red catsup and sips of grape juice--like which bird makes that song? Where do crows live? What kind of nuts do squirrels bury? Why she's afraid of tiny gnats but not yellow bees, and more. I knew most of the answers, but not all.

I love all her questions, watching her imagination take off, and listening to all her stories. And as I do I think of Jesus and how he welcomed the little ones - their curiosities and questions.

After his disciples tried shooing the children away from him,  Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them" (Mark 10:14-16). 

How exciting it must have been for Jesus to witness the uninhibited imaginations of these children--witnessing their appreciation and joy for His creation--and to relish in their simple, all-trusting faith in who He was and what He taught.

Enjoying life through my granddaughter's eyes reminds me of life's rich beauty, complexity and details that only God could have created. On this Thankful Thursday I am grateful for her childlike faith that pricks my heart and reminds me to find God in all life's simple pleasures.

What are some simple pleasures you enjoy? Let's indulge today and slip suggestions of simple pleasures in the comments below.