Little Child

"Imitate a little child which will walk along with one hand clinging to it's father, and with the other gathering the wayside fruits. So whilst with one hand you collect and use the good things of this world, always with the other keep hold of your Heavenly Father, frequently turning to Him, in order to learn whether He approves your occupations and proceedings."

- St. Francis de Sales, An Introduction to the Devout Life

St. Augustine once said "Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation." This quote applies to so many situations in life but most certainly to the goods of this life. It is tempting enough to shun all earthly goods and refuse oneself any earthly pleasure and concentrate solely on the supernatural. But to shun the natural is also to shun the supernatural within them.
It may seem safe to avoid material things because we don't trust ourselves to take them in moderation but to do so is to skip over so many little ways He loves us. That piece of cake, swirly skirt, cup of coffee,  book, cigar or glass of wine brings delight! And why did He create us but to delight in Him? (God knew there were beings who would delight in His goodness and so He made them.)
A few weeks ago, I was driving back to campus with a friend after a wonderful evening of books, coffee and biscotti. We were driving with music up, windows down, and looking at a beautiful sunset. I could not contain the joy in my heart so I began to ramble to him about how amazing it all is. We could live a life of pain and suffering and still not repay Him for all the good He has done for us. But He doesn't just give us pain -- He gives us good! He not only gives us Himself in the Eucharist and all the wonderful sacraments but He gives us the little things; simple joys like coffee and cool breezes.