These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

-The Sound of Music

We all have "raindrops on roses" or "warm woolen mittens" in our lives, those experiences and entities which bring a smile to our hearts.  For me it's curling up with a blanket and brand new book, singing along wholeheartedly to one of my favorite songs, or opening my mailbox to find a card addressed to me.  Enjoying a home cooked meal with family and friends, a cup of hot tea, or being wrapped up in a hug by a loved one I haven't seen in quite some time...these are a few of my favorite things.  I'm incredibly fortunate to have a multitude of such blessings that are present in my life from the small to the significant.  As I enjoy these "favorite things," it's key to recognize their source.  David reminds us in the Psalms: I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." (Psalm 16:2)   

From where do the beautiful and enjoyable aspects of life originate?  They are gifts from our Heavenly Father, our God who delights in our joy and desires to bless His children.  So whether minute or lavish, everything wonderful and good finds its source in Him.  Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights... (James 1:17)

This is one way that I understand and am impacted by Psalm 16:2; I cannot separate any good thing in my life from Him or ultimately give thanks for my blessings to anyone but God.  On a deeper level, though, this verse is even more critical.  As lovely as our favorite things in life are, the gift of Christ makes everything completely pale in comparison.  Apart from you I have no good thing.  Raindrops on roses or the piercing rays creating a crimson horizon are mere rubbish when laid next to the glory of God.  The apostle Paul articulates this so well.  What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. (Philippians 3:8)  Every single thing in this world is fleeting and momentary, yet the One who is worthy of all praise and honor will reign forever.  No matter how much joy His gifts and blessings bring, they are no substitute for One who has taken His place in my heart as my true "favorite thing," my Savior and King.

Let us give thanks for His goodness in showering our lives with our favorite things, yet may our hearts always raise up on a pedestal the very best thing of ultimate worth and value, our relationship with and salvation through Christ Jesus our Lord.