Gratitude for the Small Things

I have always tried my best to find joy in the small things! When life challenges, this can be difficult, but even the more necessary!

It’s the “mini-joys” that have this mysterious way of turning a frown upside down, elevating the ordinary, and sprinkling a little grace over the rougher edges so that we may continue to live in hope. I challenge you to make a list of all the things that give you life. Now, that could be as simple as a spoonful of Nutella, a mug of Chamomile Citrus tea, a jog at Radnor Lake, your first-born child’s smile, the hilarious check-out lady at the grocery store, or the calm and reassuring voice of your mother on the other end of the line.

What you’ll find is that it’s the small things in life that sustain us and nourish our souls. But you have to commit to seeking out the “sweet spots” in the midst of the ups and downs of life. I have a friend that is going through a rigorous course of chemo and yet if you could see the joy in her eyes simply watching her granddaughter’s ten-year old ballet class. It’s the people who have mastered the art of relishing the small things in life that live the largest lives.

Every now and again we ought to make a list of the “mini-joy’s” to remind us of our blessings and give us perspective. The list is never complete. Life is magnanimous in that way. There will always be more opportunities to hope, to smile, to be surprised, to enjoy.

• A Honey Crisp apple smothered in almond butter. Such a treat (especially if you add Nutella on top). I love the freshly-ground almond butter at Whole Foods
• My old french wine jug filled with ginkgo branches from the backyard. The gingko tree has been a witness to history since the age of dinosaurs if you can believe it!
• Drinking my cup of coffee by the fire in the kitchen before the kid’s wake up on Saturday morning
• Friday Night Movie Night with homemade popcorn and M&M’s! I recommend the movie, Begin Again with Kiera Knightley over the Thanksgiving break!
• The sense of humor of my dad and my friend Anne. They both can make me giggle like a child again. I have been known to call my friend and request something funny from her repertoire! It’s amazing how laughter heals the soul.
• Sitting on the sofa, tea in hand, heart at peace, savoring conversation with my mom. 
• All 5 children holding hands around the dinner table singing the blessing. 
• A Lavender Epson Salt steaming bath
• Listening to my CD of classical music from Notre Dame Cathedral in the pick-up line. (I’m probably the last person on the planet who still listens to CD’s)
• Stopping by my sister’s house on a whim
• Savoring the hot fudge sundae from Bricktops! You heard it here!!

You see—–Life is in the small things!!

Live in Hope,

Farrell

P.S. What better time to exercise the muscle of gratitude than during this season of Thanksgiving! Never forget to show gratitude for the small things! When you string them together they reveal a pretty extraordinary story.