Sunday, January 8, 2012

Little Joys

The more I have thought about living each day to the fullest, I have wondered if savoring all the little moments that bring joy is part of the whole big picture. While my husband says that nothing is better than....well you can fill in the blank here (and don't get me wrong, it is pretty darn great), there are lots of little moments that maybe we don't relish enough. Maybe we take some of them for granted, not stopping to give it the full attention and appreciation each one deserves.

For me, each of these little joys bring a smile to my face:
   that first sip of coffee in the morning
   sliding into a clean bed with fresh soft sheets
   getting your pillows just right
   that first bite of something you really love to eat
   grocery shopping (I may be alone on this one...)
   the journey through a really good book
   hearing someone speak who inspires you to become better
   seeing your family pull up for a visit
   the magic of Christmas
   a kiss from a grandchild
   watching your team play well and win
   hearing pride in your child's voice as they tell you of their accomplishments
   hugs from my family and friends
   getting a compliment that matters
   feeling like you helped someone
   the sense of peace that Friday night brings
   smelling a good meal cooking
   setting off on vacation
   seeing the ocean and its majesty
   the company of good friends
   a shared laugh or tear with those who matter most to you
   pulling into my driveway and knowing I am home

The list could go on forever. Just pausing to think about what brings me joy, makes me realize once again how many blessings I have, that we all have, that we need to count now and then. For all the bad and hurtful things in our lives, there are wonderful gifts to treasure that make the rest fade in the background. I hope I bring joy to other's lives. For me, I plan on being much more aware of all the joys in my life so that my list will go on and on.

Today I am grateful for the peace of this Sunday morning....

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