I have been noticing lately that I find happiness in the littlest things.
Sometimes I think we (or at least I) are always looking toward the big things and don't notice all the little things along the way.
In my world, it feels like my life is moving faster than I can keep up with. There is always at least some little part of my subconscious that is aware that I am missing things that are important and that I'm not going to get these opportunities/days/moments back.
These generally revolve around my children.
That I don't take enough photos of them.
Video them enough.
Miss out on special parties at school.
Miss out on playing games and doing activities with them at home because I'm too tired or would rather veg out after a long day.
I realize I need to do these things, but feel like I have nothing left to muster up to do it with.
I have to be careful not to get caught up in the things that I am missing because I'm so busy and not take notice of other blessings and good things along the way.
In an effort to enjoy everyday living, I have been thinking about the little things that take place each day.
Here is what I have come up with so far.
1. I love that I am getting up earlier this school year and am able to have my morning Bible reading.
2. I love that God uses what I have read to connect to something almost daily that happens in my everyday life.
He's good like that you know.
3. I love that when I see my little darlings out the door for school, I usually remember to go ahead and pour a cup of coffee (that my sweet husband usually makes) to make it bearable to drink when I finish getting ready.
4. I love my warm, soft red couch with the end table next to it and my homemade drink coaster that I set my coffee on.
5. I love the Strawberry Breakfast bar that tastes oh so good with that strong black coffee.
Every morning.
I love that most mornings there is a breakfast bar in the breakfast bar container and know now that it messes up my routine if I have forgotten to replenish my supply.
6. I love to sit down for 5-10 minutes, drink my coffee and eat my breakfast bar on my favorite warm, soft couch and catch up on my favorite blogs.
I tend to read the ones that inspire me and make me want to be a better person before I head out the door to greet/face a world of children, parents, coworkers, directors, friends, etc.
I try to take into consideration that this is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.
7. I love grabbing a cold diet Sunkist as I head out the door and that the fridge is usually stocked with them for my lunch.
8. Wow, if I get to school early, and yippee, most days I do, I may even have a moment to read part of my daily devotion. I have found that making time for these things that I love in my daily routine really affects my mood and outlook. Thank God cause I need it right now.
9. I love the way my girls are constantly telling me I am the best mommy in the whole world.
10. Let's just face it. I'm normally too cheap to buy Bounce fabric softener but you know what? I like the way it smells and I like the way it makes my clothes feel and daggone it, I am using Bounce fabric sheets. They make me feel warm and cozy. Don't ask why but the smell makes me happy.
11. I like the smell of the new Autumn Leaves wallflower I just bought from Bath and Body. I love the way it makes my home smell. Ummmm....yum. I love that my husband is actually not allergic to the scent and he won't be making me toss it out.
12. I love the gingerbread throw that my sister in law Lori got Kacie when she was born that we all seem to fight over when its time to snuggle up on the couch.
13. Speaking of which, I love to snuggle up on the couch with my girls.
14. I love the way it feels to have lost 20 pounds and have less "baggage" lugging around daily.
15. I love my new Tervis tumbler given to me by my school district (Tim and I fight over it).
Really, if you don't have a Tervis tumbler, get one. Or three or four.
Some of my favorite people may be getting one for Christmas this year. :)
16. I love that I am staying organized enough to make sure my phone is charged every day and I no longer have a phone that is always beeping with a dead battery.
17. I love Culver's cheeseburger snack pack. It is delicious and I could eat this every day. Not to mention it is a great deal!
18. I love our church and I love our small group. I love the way I feel around people who are not afraid to say they have struggles and are not perfect but are striving to be close to God and to develop their relationship with him. I love that there are people who do not mind opening their home every week and others who prepare for the lesson/discussion every single week. I thank God for these people.
19. I love that my husband took over the budget last summer (ouch, sore spot for awhile) and now (since he is such a tightwad) we have money to buy most of our Christmas gifts (with cash!)! Makes preparing for the gift aspect of Christmas easier and hopefully will allow me to get this part done quickly so I can really enjoy the true meaning of the season and spending time with the ones I love.
20. I love hot chocolate (oooh...add whipcream for extra bonus).
21. I love McDonald's Sweet Tea on Thursdays.
22. I love that our two cats have stayed close to home and have not run away (making my girls very happy).
23. I LOVE fresh clean sheets.
24. I love having a window open with fresh air circulating through my house.
25. I love getting in my car (which I have been keeping clean!) and hearing "Blessings" as soon as I get in.
26. I love my prayer time on the way to work and singing old songs from back in the old youth group days on my way to school.
27. I love keeping my classroom and my office more organized at school.
28. I love that my husband listens to my stories and listens to me talk and listens to my self doubt and listens to my struggles, etc. etc.....and sometimes tries to fix it and sometimes just listens and sometimes makes me laugh and sometimes probably wants to run and hide his head under something because I know some days he probably just wants to say, "Would you shut up already? The world doesn't revolve around you!" But bless his heart, he doesn't. I am thankful.
29. I love a good cardigan. Love. Especially with a white tank.
30. I love that I don't have to have a witty reason for coming up with 30 things that I am thankful for and that I could go on and on and on with little blessings in my life. Let's see. I am also thankful I have this blog to share this very random post on. :)
This is so true.
That is why I think it is so important to recognize that
great and
wonderful things
are happening
every day!
