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A Chinese legend tells of a group of elderly, cultured gentlemen who met often to exchange wisdom and drink tea. Each host tried to find the finest and most costly varieties, to create exotic blends that would arouse the admiration of his guests.

When it came the turn of the most venerable and respected of the group to entertain, he served his tea with unprecedented ceremony, measuring the leaves from a golden box. The assembled connoisseurs praised this exquisite tea.

The host smiled and said, “The tea you have found so delightful is the same tea our peasants drink. I hope it will be a reminder to all that the good things in life are not necessarily the rarest or the most costly.”

I don’t know about you, but I find more contentment sitting on our deck enjoying good conversation and ice water with my husband than I do a night out at a fancy restaurant. Fancy parties are fun and I enjoy them, but the simple pleasures with those I love carry the warmest memories for me.

What simple pleasure marks your life as good?

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

handsI’d never given much thought to an old woman’s hands until I looked at my mother’s wrinkled ones covered with age marks. Now she is gone and I regret not giving voice to what those hands represented.

Funny how something so ordinary becomes holy when viewed through the lens of thankfulness.

I appreciated the blacktop on the road in front of my house when I started walking again after many months recovering from foot surgery. The blacktop made the road smooth. Uneven ground threatened my balance. The ability to walk and pray without having to constantly look where my foot was placed gave me a freedom I had missed.  

Thornton Wilder once remarked, “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” How alive are you today? What are your treasures?

In Him together, Susan Gaddis

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