When I was a boy I didn't have a smart phone, home computers were unheard off, and our 13" television could only get one channel in clearly. Yet, I was never bored. When Spring arrived I would pull out my trusty bike and ride. I would pedal for hours, feel the wind on my face and laugh with joy as I rode down the hills. When Summer came I would find myself swimming every day at the local pool or the river down the hill from my home. I never got sunburned either because I was never out of the water long enough. When it was Fall my friends and I would play football for hours and when the leaves fell would rake them into huge golden and red piles to jump in. The first snows of Winter didn't stop the fun either. My brothers and I would have snowball fights and hike into the woods to cut down our Christmas tree. Later I would sit in my favorite chair by the warm, wood stove and read books that carried my imagination away to different lands and endless adventures.

Those simple pleasures always brought me so much fun, so much laughter, and so much happiness. There was nothing to be bored about because there was always something to do, something to enjoy, and something to love. I feel a bit sorry for the children of today because they are spending so much time watching and so little time living.

One thing I am sure of, though, is that even in this technological world the simple pleasures of life can still soothe your soul. A hug still warms your heart. A walk in the woods still calms your spirit. Petting a dog, playing a game, holding a hand, and saying "I love you" still makes you feel JOY. God loves us so much and God gives us the simple pleasures of life to enjoy and to share. Embrace them all. Welcome them into your day, take them into your heart, and share them with everyone. Live and love as a joyous Child of God today and always.