We have our moments—those special times when everything from heaven and earth meet and all is well. We have more of these little gifts than one may think, and they take place on an ordinary day, in the whispers of passing time and with the beats of our racing hearts.
The gifts I have found are innumerable, but noticing them is what matters. Some of my little gifts in my ordinary day are as follows:
Being able to wake up to the sunlight coming through my bedroom window without the blaring screams of an alarm clock telling me I am already late.
The kiss from my unaffectionate and independent husky, as I open my eyes, to say good morning, and that she missed me.
The comfort of my down comforter wrapped around me before I get out of bed.
Listening to the rain fall and the birds sing as I sit with my coffee on the back deck.
The emails and texts I get from friends saying good morning and that today is going to be a great day.
The sounds of gratitude from my business partners on a business call, cause me to be grateful for them in that very moment.
The sound of my cello as I practice, showing me I am getting better, but providing me with an opportunity to learn more and play more.
Running into my loved neighbor as she walks her sweet little dog, catching up on life in its fullest.
Getting into my car to see I have a full tank of gas and that I can go wherever I want today.
The smiles and laughter from my girls after a long day at school.
My husband’s words, You are beautiful, as he meets my eyes with a smile.
The elderly man who stops and talks to us every Sunday at church, to tell us how much he loves seeing us every week.
The smell of homemade brownies in the oven.
Watching a movie that reminds me of someone I lost, and how I look forward to seeing them again.
Ending my day with a warm bath and a book.
We get to experience the gifts in this life. It is our choice. This world is filled with so much turmoil; it’s often handed to us on a platter. But we get to choose where we focus our attention. Sure, those challenging moments are hard. Dirt on my new sheets, people being nasty towards others, being caught between two hard decisions, settling for less than when you have given your all, yes, it’s hard. Life is hard. But if we can find one more moment to find sweetness, joy, celebration, and gratefulness, we are choosing to see the little gifts given to us on an ordinary day.
