I am not hormonal. But sometimes a little thing in the day just makes my heart swell. At such times I hold that moment and say a prayer of gratitude.
Something like that just happened. It was really so mundane. What was said was not profound, what activity had just taken place was common but I felt so blessed for having experienced it.
Curious? Well, you’ll probably be disappointed. I was sitting on the couch reading an interview with Elizabeth Gilbert, enjoying my spring break. The house was quiet; it was mid-afternoon on an unseasonably warm March day.
My daughter came into the house to grab something before she went to work. She showed me her new manicure, told me that her boyfriend had replaced her burnt out car headlight, and then dashed out the door.
Her smile was infectious. These simple things had brought her joy. And she in turn brought me joy.
We’ve been having some challenging times in my house lately and in this moment of peace I felt a calm settle over me.
“Everything will be okay,” a voice inside my head promised. “All is well.”
And I believe it. Right now we’re traveling over a bumpy road as a family but the bumps will soon smooth out. All in all everything is great. More than great, it’s perfect, even with the bumps.
I made a point of being home this afternoon at this time of the day because I love how the light streams in through the lace curtains in my family room. I rarely get to sit in this room at this time of the day.
The sun didn’t disappoint (it never does). The light is filtering in, creating a sunny spot on the love seat that I’m about to jump into to finish reading the article.
As I look out the window I can see the bluest sky with a few white wisps of clouds. The evergreens are providing a bit of color to the otherwise barren landscape.
I am blessed. I am grateful. Everything is well.
I’d love to hear what small things bring you joy!
Ahhh, simple joys. About three weeks ago, we had the opportunity to enjoy our 13 mos. old grand-daughter in our home. The poor little sweetheart was suffering from a cold and two soon-to-be diagnosed ear infections. Despite her discomfort, she managed to play and have a fun, but subdued afternoon. She is normally a very busy child and it is hard to snag much cuddle time. Late in the day, she climbed up on me where I was reclining on the couch, and put her little head on my chest. The usual sparkle in her eyes was but a dim glimmer, and it just broke my heart to see her feeling poorly. I began to whisper a silly little song as she pressed her head against my me. I sang the song again (my repertoire is very limited) and when it was over, she murmured “mmmmm?” I sang again, and once again, she replied “mmmmm?” Hmmmm, is she ASKING me to sing? I have NEVER been asked to sing, EVER! Even when my children were small and I would burst out in song in the car, I would always hear someone pipe up, “Mom. Don’t sing.” I sang this song to Sweet Emma again and again, always followed by her request for more—“mmmmm?” Though I desperately wished I could take her illness as my own, it just warmed my heart to know that I could provide at least a little bit of comfort to this sweetheart who has brought so much love into our lives. Cuddly baby, comfy couch, warm blanket—–It meant the world to me to have those precious moments.
UPDATE: Emma is feeling great now, but she will still stop whatever she’s doing and come “visit” with me if I start to sing! The only song I could think of that first day was “One Little, Two Little, Three Little Fishies.” My playlist now includes “The Itsy, Bitsy Spider,” “How Much is that Doggie in the Window?” and “I’m a Little Teapot.” What a fun feeling it is to have someone think you’re the best singer in the world!