LIFE’S SIMPLE GIFTS

December 10, 2025

Jason Bonnicksen

LIFE’S SIMPLE GIFTS

365 DAYS OF THANKSLIVING — DAY 10

The boys must have heard me coming. Their hearing is better than ours after all. I opened the door, and there they came with butts wiggling and tails wagging—my boxer bunch boys, Arlo and Gus. Perhaps it’s one of life’s simplest gifts that bring joy: being greeted by your pups when you come home, even if you’ve only been gone for a little bit.

I can think of a hundred things in a day to be thankful for: that’s kinda the purpose of this daily devotional. But for some reason, this morning my mind was coming up blank, until I’d come home for lunch. After being greeted by our pups, it wasn’t long before Gus Gus had a ball in his mouth.

For Gus, the simplest things are the best of things; and for him, having a ball in his mouth is a must. As he does often, he jumped up and put his paws on my chest. I don’t know if it’s his way of saying, “Hey dad, let’s play;” or “Hi dad, look what I got;” or maybe something more profound: “Dad, I love you. I brought you my most favorite of things.” Seeing the love, joy, and delight in your dog’s face is one of life’s simplest gifts (as is seeing the joy of them play).

As my lunch baked, I leaned against the counter and watched our boxers play tug. From out of nowhere I began to grin, then I noticed a tiny tear falling from my eye. What was that all about, I thought. Then it hit me—life’s simplest gifts can be moments of pure bliss; and for that, I am eternally grateful.

For Arlo and Gus Gus, it’s the simplest of things that bring fulfillment and joy: a ball, a treat, mom and dad’s presence, a cuddle on the couch, and taking up ½ the bed. For us, they are gifts from the Lord, gifts we’re grateful for in more ways than we can count.

As my lunch was nearing, I kept thinking about my pups. I grabbed my phone and tried to capture a few pics. (They all sucked). Then I recalled the day I captured a memorable shot. The boys were playing with a neoprene bone, all the while the suns’ rays shone through the window, covering them from head to toe. It was just one of those moments—a simple gift and delight.

Whether it be dogs (or cats), a sunrise or unexpected moment, or listening to your favorite musical compositions, life’s joys can be gifts from heaven above. And for those daily gifts, I gotta thank the Lord.

I thank God for bringing Arlo & Gus into our lives. I thank the Lord for the sunrises and sunsets that take my breath away. And I thank the Lord for composers such as Aaron Copland, who composed such wondrous scores like Martha Graham's ballet, Appalachian Spring (aka "Simple Gifts.")

The psalmist wrote:

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;”

Psalm 136:1, 4–5, ESV

What simple gifts are you thankful for today? Drop me a comment below!

Share This :

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
•