Thought For Today

I am so glad that you have found this site and I hope you will find encouragement and joy as you read through my thoughts on God, family and life.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Where is your source of happiness?


The beauty of nature is all around us to enjoy.

Today the Earth is being nourished by the falling rains that are helping the crops during their last days of growth before the fall harvest arrives.  God has made the cycle of life consistent with the needs of nature all around us.  He has made animals to control the growth of other species that could possibly dominate the surrounding areas, and possibly create extinction for many other types of wildlife.  Bugs that sometime are annoying to us,  are held in check by birds, dragonflies, bats and other bugs.  These insects are their food source so that other wildlife can live. Yet, these same bugs clean the forest floor, eat decaying wildlife, and plant materials so that we are not knee deep in refuse all around us.  What a master plan our Savior has for our world that even the smallest animal has a purpose.  The interesting thing to see is that all these species are the happiest when they are carrying out their calling.  Anne and I watch hummingbirds fly around us with acrobatics, flying circles, horseshoe loops, chasing each other in a game of tag, all the while drinking the nectar that the flowers of the field provide.  The hummingbird in turn carry’s the pollen from plant to plant allowing our flowers to generate even more flowers. 

Ruby Throated Hummingbird
Many times in life we encounter those who are not happy even when they have what seems to be, everything.  What they possess is never enough; the lust for more draws them on in an impossible attempt to find that elusive bird of happiness.  Jesus tells us that contentment is found in our relationship with him.  He is our creator and he has a plan for us, just as he does for the lowly hummingbird.  Once we find Jesus, he will show us what our purpose is and then we will not need “things” to make us happy.  Apostle Paul said in his letter to the Philippians (4:12) that he found peace in whatever circumstance he was in.  “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  Where is your peace and happiness found?  Is it in things, or is it found in your relationship with the creator of all life?

6 comments:

Sportet said...

The good news of the Gospel is finding contentment in Jesus. Amen.

Lilac & Lavender said...

My great-grandparents lived in Kentucky, in a place 'cut-off from the rest of the world' where people are poor, but they don't always know it...

I met my great-grandma Nellie as a young girl. I remember her smiles and laughter. She didn't have many worldly possessions, but she had something far greater ~ love for Jesus.

I will always remember her thankful, hopeful, and happy spirit...

August Thurmer said...

Megan, isn't wonderful to have family that know the value of the life that God has given them. You see it in their eyes and heart. It just can't stay in, it must come to the surface with smiles and hugs.

TexWisGirl said...

Hi August. thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment yesterday! August was my father's name, by the way. And I have (or had) relatives in Winona MN. The Lacrosse area is indeed gorgeous. When I've made the drive from TX to WI, I take I-35 N to Albert Lea MN and hook a right so pass through that area. It is always a welcome sight to enter into my homestate. :)

God bless you and yours!

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful photos of both the butterfly and the hummingbird.

August Thurmer said...

Thank you Eileen! Have a wonderful week ahead!