Gò0dNews for Everyone
Simple Pleasures
S
by Jack Borders
everal years ago, I had the privilege of meeting a
after a spring rain. A taste of freshly brewed coffee would
man named Alex. The circumstances of life have
often bring a grin and a high leg kick.
taken us in different directions, but I will always
Over the years I have discovered that Alex is
remember him. Alex took an early retirement and came
absolutely right. If you look for them, you can find simple
to work with us on a part-time basis. It did not take
pleasures almost every day, sometimes more than one.
long for me to appreciate his practical outlook on life and his wealth of life experiences. He viewed his role with our crew as a facilitator—see a need, try to meet the need. With an eye for detail, Alex would get excited when his plan would fall into place and things worked out flawlessly. In dealing with complex interoffice politics, Alex would always strive for a “win-win” situation. Each party getting at least part of what they wanted. Do not try to get even when wronged, the truth will eventually rise to the surface. Let the Lord take care of the consequences. Always have a
Like a refreshing shower after a long day of yard work.
Plan B in place.
Your small child reaching up for you to hold them.
Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned from Alex is:
The smell of fresh coffee first thing in the morning.
simple pleasures are the best. He explained that we all
A parking place becomes available just as you arrive.
have some mountaintop experiences but they are few and
Your car starts on a cold winter morning and your
far between. If we look for the simple pleasures, we can find some almost every day. I saw Alex light up like a kid on Christmas morning when someone would bring in a freshly baked apple pie
heater works. A song on the radio makes you forget your troubles. Someone tells you that they are praying for you. Yes, we occasionally have mountaintop
for the crew to share. He would flash a bright smile and
experiences, but simple pleasures are the best—you get
a thumbs up while enjoying a hamburger with mustard
a lot more of them.
that!” He took great pleasure in the sweet smell of the air
44 // August 2021
About The Author
and lots of onions exclaiming, “It can’t get any better than Jack Borders is a Christ follower, husband, father, grandfather and caregiver living in Cleveland, Tennessee.
