Pause and Ponder A Simple Life

Some go about it differently than others, but most of us, if we're honest, try to make life pleasurable and happy for our kids, spouses and friends. We work to give them a "better life," at least our definition of it.

My second child and firstborn daughter, AnaLee, teaches me so much, though, as she defines pleasure from a different perspective than most. Emotionally speaking, she's tightly wired like her mama, but in every other way she's a free bird. She's simple, practical and real. Crowds? No thanks. Hectic schedule? Not unless you want to pick her up in pieces off the floor a few days into it. She likes to keep things simple, clean and organized.

I love her.

Anyway, she wrote this Fantabulous poem, and though I don't share personal family details often on my blog, I had to here. The message in her writing is ponder-worthy, and it caused me to praise the Lord for the work of His hands, especially my daughter.

Countryside

by AnaLee Shaw

A small house in the countryside,

In front of a big backyard.

Sauntering down the dirt road,

Far from a boulevard.

Just a small school by a little church around a tiny well,

Living and working hard.

With a good herding dog, and a nutmeg horse,

And nice folks--no one a card.

This is where I want to live,

By the beautiful countryside.

I'll own what the world has to give.

One day I'll move there,

I'll sieve from the city-like ways,

And enjoy winter when the trees are bare,

And, in the summer, walk by the riverside bays.

Someday I'll get work,

And move to the countryside.

I'll have a family, and we'll avoid the skunks that lurk,

And enjoy playing in the lake tide.

Someday, One day, Now-a-day,

I dream of living on the countryside.

What are you dreaming of these days?

Do you need more simplicity in your life?