It's the Little Things

I love the quote by Henry David Thoreau, "Simplify, simplify." As a great thinker of the 19th century, he was really onto something. Life back then looks so simple from a 21st century perspective. What would he think about our crazy, busy, lives today? I am sure he would be appalled by all the stress that we are under and how it is so easy to get caught up in the materialism of America. I know most of us cannot escape to an isolated cabin by Walden pond, but I do try and remind myself of how all the little things make life so great. These are just a few things that make my life better and offer me joy.

I love coming home and cooking dinner for Shane. I love the stability of knowing he is going to walk in the door and kiss me then Vivie and we will share a meal together.
I love that Shane always does what he says he is going to do. He never lets me down because he always keeps his promises, even the little ones like going to the bank or mailing a letter.
I love that the coffee pot can be programmed to go off before I get out of bed and I can wake to the smell of fresh coffee.
I love feeding Vivie a bottle and listening to her little sounds of satisfaction. It is so gratifying to feed a hungry baby.
I love a stack of graded papers.
I love a sleeping Stella in my lap all cuddled up.
I love a bright, sunny morning and all the possibilities of a new day.
I love Saturdays with Shane, eating breakfast, running errands, napping on the couch, cuddling with Vivie and us both staring at her in amazement and with pure joy in our hearts.
I love a warm bath, new pajamas, and clean sheets.
I love going to Joelton to eat with my family and surrounding myself with all the simple memories of growing up in a small town.
I love it when Vivie hangs on to my shirt when I am carrying her. That little hand wrapped around my shirt and knowing that she trusts me completely.
I love Vivie's little toes and how they curl up all the time. And hearing her laugh when I tickle her.
I love sitting in church and feeling peace. I love the fact that one day I will see my dad and Misty again and their sweet smiles.
The best part of my life right now is going into Vivie's room first thing in the morning and seeing her sweet, smiling face and her little legs kicking like crazy. She gets so excited and there is no better feeling in the world than watching her light up the room.

I think for me reflecting on these every once awhile offers so much peace. It's so easy to forget all the simple things, and get caught up in the things that are not important. I am guilty of doing this all the time,  so maybe these simple ideas will remind me of how very blessed I am.