What Do You Love?
January 21, 2022 by Hally Franz
Filed under Daily Devotions
By Hally Franz –
It’s February – a time to recognize and appreciate the people, places and things that we love. In thinking about this month’s devotions, I was reminded of the old Tom T. Hall song in which he lists some of the things that he loves most. In Mr. Hall’s song “I Love” he names the following among the things that he loves: little baby ducks and little fuzzy pups, snow and rain, old pick-up trucks and slow-moving trains, coffee in a cup and bourbon in a glass, grass and hay. It’s an interesting list, and we can all identify with at least a few of his choices, I’m sure.
So, I thought for a moment about the things I love. I love the healing power of music and the snuggling potential of a rainy day. I love the change of seasons, watching marching bands, horse shows, architecture and dark chocolate. I love human frailty, and I love observing genetics at work. Add to my list pasta and Diet Coke, my family, friends, church and God. And, dare I say, sweatpants? Yes, I love sweatpants.
Reading.
Here’s the thing about reading. I didn’t always like it. I probably read fewer than a dozen complete books growing up, and my academic success was strictly due to listening well and taking great notes. I was slow and often had to re-read. It’s odd for one who writes to not read. Over time, I think God helped me to enjoy reading, even though I’m still slow. That new love has been a blessing to me.
Some of the activities we enjoy, the spaces that bring us contentment, and the people we like spending time with change over time. While my brain isn’t as sharp as it once was, my desire to read and learn is greater than ever before. I suppose that’s a bit of the irony of aging we may all experience in one form or another.
As parents, we ought to help our children find things they love and are passionate about. This world is full of loveable things, places and people, both God-made and man-made. It is easy to see the bad and the negative, but in this season of love and throughout the year, let’s take time to appreciate the big and small loves in our lives. Let’s encourage our kids to do the same.
PRAYER: Awesome Father, what an amazing world we live in! While there is evil and sadness, there is also beauty and brilliance in our midst. Help us to focus on the many people, places and things there are to enjoy, appreciate… and love!
“Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you” (Jude 1:2 NKJV).
Hally Franz writes about her observations on family and faith, parenting and people. She is a former high school guidance counselor, turned stay-at-home mom. Hally and husband Tim will celebrate twenty years of marriage this year, and have two teens. She is a 4-H leader and band mom, serves as her church secretary and as a Bible class teacher. Hally enjoys traveling with her family and participating in monthly book club meetings with her pals.