Small Blessings

There are moments in a person’s life that are considered blessings: a marriage, the birth of a child, graduation, etc.  These moments are big blessings – ones that we all hope to receive.  But, just as important, are the small blessings we receive daily.  I’d like to share some of mine.

1)      The feel of my husband’s hand in mine.  I feel safe and protected by the touch.

2)      The light that comes from my daughter’s smile.  It has enough power to light a large city.

3)      The sound of howling dogs.  I can’t explain this one; there’s just something about watching all four of our dogs howl in unison.  It’s nature in its simplest form.  It’s also funny and sweet.

4)      The cat “kissing” me awake in the morning.  I know she just wants to be fed, but she’s so gentle and sweet when she does it, like the kiss of a butterfly.

5)      Watching the chickens.  This is another one I can’t explain.  They are just so much fun.  They have their own community, with its popular group, the older group, the young and feisty group…  Watching them is like watching a soap opera.

6)       Feeding the cardinals.  We have a group of about 25-30 cardinals that regularly feed off the leftover chicken scratch.  I bought a bird feeder for them and they love it.  They have been a literal bright spot during the overcast winter days.

7)      Feeding the fish.  We stocked our creek with trout last year and we were anxious to see if they reproduced this year.  Well, they did – in abundance!  We sit on the bridge and toss out food, then sit back and watch them swim upstream to jump up and grab it.  Again, nature in its glory.

8)      The comfort of my bed at night.  It doesn’t always happen, but that moment when you find the “sweet spot” and you are so comfortable, you hope you never have to move.  It makes me appreciate the fact I have a warm, soft bed to sleep in every night.

9)      Snoring.  I know most people don’t consider this a blessing, but when I hear my child or husband snore (and yes, I do snore, too!), it’s just proof that I’m not alone.

10)   Working in the dirt.  There’s nothing as satisfying to me as working in the yard.  Digging, planting, clearing…it doesn’t matter what I’m doing as long as my hands are dirty and my arms are tired.  It feels important, working the earth.

I’m sure I could think of a hundred more, but I’ll stop at ten.  Now it’s your turn.  Think about your small blessings.  Share them if you wish.  But more importantly, feel them in your heart and be grateful for them.

Love you all.