“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”
— William Arthur Ward
I read a blog post the other day about ordinary things that makes us happy. His words stuck with me, opening my heart and eyes to the everyday things that bring me joy and fill me with gratitude.
The process of creating this list didn’t take long – I was amazed at the simple steps in each of my day that I truly enjoyed. I realized how rich I am with these simple pleasures.
- The smell of coffee in the morning, any morning, even the hottest morning. Just the aroma perks me up.
- Refreshing lemon in my water.
- The wonderful taste of chocolate and mint melting in my mouth.
- Snuggling into the bed to get cozy at night.
- The birds outside my office window.
- The giggles and laughs and phone calls of my grandchildren.
- The painting at our church which draws me into deeper worship.
- My journals with tattered edges from love. highlighted in an array of colors and stuffed with clippings of inspiration. In case of fire, grab the journals and my Bible, please.
- Shooting stars. I love getting up in the middle of the night when meteors are predicted. There I am at 2 am, laying outside watching expectantly for them. Of course this occurs in summer, not the cold winter time in Ohio. I’m not THAT crazy… or am I? Ha!
- A great quote that lingers in my soul.
- As much I dislike winter, I love seeing the empty nests in bare trees, knowing they are awaiting new life.
- I love checking off items on my to-do list and the satisfaction that comes with the feeling of accomplishment.
I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life
which are the real ones after all.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
What ordinary things are you grateful for in your daily living?
Hi Jean! You know I’d be out there watching the shooting stars with you! I love that astronomy stuff.
I appreciate my morning coffee, and a special Starbucks treat in the afternoon. Brushing my teeth in the morning to get rid of dragon breath, FaceTime with the grandkids, a favorite TV show. Yep, it is the small things!
Wishing you many ‘small things’ today!
Ceil
Those shooting stars are amazing. Always makes me feel small but somehow connected with the universe. Brushing the teeth is a great addition to the list. And of course NCIS for me. May your weekend be filled with wonderful small moments of happiness
Jean,
I loved your list…#4 and 5 spoke to me and your one about the stars at 2 am made me laugh…Funny, I made a similar list today in my journal…Laughing with my family and hugging them was one the list as well as petting our dog Bailey…he has the softest fur 🙂
Petting your dog is a great happy addition to the list. So much unconditionally love, right? Have a blessed weekend.
I love your list! Yes, it is in the small things where we can find our truest joy and satisfaction. Blessings, Jean!
I was surprised how quickly and easily I made this list, Martha and how rewarding too! Try it! Hope you are having a great week.
I will try it, Jean. Thanks for asking about my week – we’re having snow set in, but are prepared so all is good. Also, I’m getting lots of writing done which always makes me happy. 🙂
May our Lord bless your week, too!