Some BIG, Little Things...

Taking JOY in the small things is something that I have really been trying to focus on the last few months. Life just goes by too fast, and if you aren't paying attention, you are going to miss out on some big, little things. Thankful that during this time of year we are reminded to be thankful...strange that sometimes we need to be reminded of that, but it is true we do.

I am very thankful for the big things like family, friends, our home, health and so many more, but there are so many other things that I am grateful for. Here are some of the recent things I have noticed:

• The soft feel of cotton sheets at night.
• When Blake wants to read a book he crawls up in your lap.
• The sweet sound of cousins playing with each other.
• A cup of coffee shared with a friend by the fireplace.
• The smell of a newborn baby.
• Chubby legs and big bellies. 
• The wind blowing the last leaves from a giant oak tree.
• Babies speaking in their own language.
• The smell of dinner cooking throughout the day.

Those are just a few of the moments I'm trying to remember and reflect on. Things so simple, and yet so important in my day. Take JOY today in the small things in your life...once you start looking for them you will be surprised how many you are able to come up with.

“Joy is the realest reality, the fullest life, 

and joy is always given, never grasped. 

God gives gifts and I give thanks and 

I unwrap the gift given: joy.” 

                                                                                                                          ~Ann Voskamp, author of, "One Thousand Gifts"