Life's Small Pleasures

Reflect on the small delights of life.

Tami Rudkin

Most of us miss out on life's big prizes,
(The Pulitzer, the Nobel, Oscar, Tonys, Emmys)
But we're all eligible for life's small pleasures:
A pat on the back. A kiss behind the ear.
A four-pound bass. A full moon.
An empty parking space. A crackling fire.
A great meal. A glorious sunset. Hot soup.
Don't fret about missing life's grand awards.
Enjoy its tiny delights.
There are plenty for all of us. -15,000 Illustrations

Leader says: It is true that most of us will never win an Emmy or a Pulitzer, but we still are given the privilege of tiny delights. Take a few minutes and think of some of those activities, people, and occurrences that comprise your "tiny delights." (You may want to give everyone an index card to write them down.)

After a few moments, ask your group to share what they wrote on their index cards as a way to begin their praise time. After they have shared these "tiny delights," have them turn to Psalm 103. What you will find here is the "great delight" of our lives. After you have read this Psalm, ask your group to respond in praise by reading the following phrases. Go around the circle reading one phrase per person until all of the phrases have been read.

I will bless the Lord.

I will lift up the Lord as my redeemer and my king.

I will thank the Lord. He has been good to me.

I will never stop talking of His ways, perfect and just.

I was sinking in the quicksand of sin, and God threw me a rope of hope.

I will rejoice over my salvation.

I will sing of His mercies which are new every morning.

I will dance on the mountaintop for my joy is complete in Him.

I will speak of His love for the lost and that I have been found.

I will praise the Lord.

I will honor the Lord.

I will serve the Lord.