Fleeting Pleasures

Currently, I spend a lot of time gazing at trees. If I could suck the beauty of the leaves deep into my soul, I would. Instead, I take photos in a vain attempt to capture what I’m seeing. The pictures are nice, but they’re not the same.

I also spend time listening to my precious grandchildren’s chatter, sometimes attempting to inscribe their words deep within me. It doesn’t work. I remember what was said a week or two ago, but a year later, it’s gone.

I watch my husband, my mother, my children, and my friends’ smiles and listen to the incredible sound of their laughter. The memory brings joy, but never as much as the occasion.

Fleeting Pleasures are Fleeting

Sometimes, that’s all we have left—as in the case of my beloved father, who passed just over eight years ago. Or in the case of people in war-torn nations, where they may have lost their homes, families, and health. I can’t imagine, and my heart breaks for them.

Sadly, fleeting pleasures can’t be made permanent; we can’t depend on them.

Good News 

But there is good news. In a book of woes found in the Old Testament of the Bible, it says, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lam 3:23-24) Even better, the God being spoken of doesn’t change (Mal 3:6). 

The New Testament confirms this. One thing endures, regardless of our circumstances: Jesus. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” There is lasting comfort in that: knowing that the Lord of the Universe knows, accepts, forgives, and loves me—warts and all. I do need to remind myself frequently, but even forgetting doesn’t change the facts. That is a permanent pleasure.