What if we noticed the small things in our lives that lift our spirits and make us smile? What if we didn’t allow those moments to slip us by, but instead took time to pause, appreciate, and give thanks. I wonder if we would become more aware of the blessings in our lives.

Here are some small things that brighten my days:  

Our local creamery. Not only can I get fresh milk (and chocolate milk!), yogurt, and meat, but it tickles me that there is a drive-through. I haven’t used it personally, but I have vivid memories of being a young mother with three little ones. The thought of having to unbuckle car seats, search for kicked-off shoes, and zipping up coats even one more time was enough to make me skip an errand or two. I love that tired parents, busy teenagers, and any weary traveler can just pull up to the window and fill their order. Every time I see the sign, it makes me smile.  So I pause. Appreciate. And give thanks.

A warm pool on a cold day. There is something a bit decadent about enjoying the warm air and refreshing water inside while gazing at the wintery scene outside. I love to swim and am grateful for the beautiful pool that is close enough for me to enjoy several times each week. I try not to take it for granted, so I pause. Appreciate. And give thanks.

Fruit-flavored water. This little treat is available whenever I go swimming. Yes, it’s a small pleasure, but how lovely to have fresh-tasting, cool water prepared for my refreshment. Before I drink, I pause. Appreciate. And give thanks.

Pretty candles. Short winter days call for additional light. And how much better it is when those lights sparkle and cast a beautiful glow. This candle is from the very special wedding I attended, so they offer an additional meaning. When I light a candle, it causes me to slow down and gives me the chance to pause so I can appreciate its uplifting light. And I give thanks.

Warm boots. “Walking in a winter wonderland” only sounds like fun in a song. The reality is usually cold legs and icy toes. When my thoughtful husband gave me these boots for Christmas, I knew that cold mornings would be transformed for me. When I I slip them on, I pause and appreciate their warmth and comfort.  And I give thanks.  

Cup of tea. Just the process of preparing tea can calm me down. Heat the water, choose the flavor, pour the water, wait as it steeps, and then pour and enjoy.  Ahhh… it is an invitation to pause and appreciate. And then to give thanks.

            Each day provides opportunities to bask, even briefly, in appreciation and to offer thanks. It’s easy to overlook simple pleasures as we rush from one moment to the next. Instead, let’s pause long enough to notice. Let’s take a moment to appreciate. And then let us give thanks.