Small Things

I started out walking around our property to take inventory of the work that needed to be done this year.  Last year the weeds and overgrowth got the upper hand .  This year I am determined to win the battle!  But, one morning I experienced a surprise that has slowed my pace, - a little.

While I poked at a hole in the ground to discover what furry enemy of my gardening attempts lived there; I looked up and noticed a small, gray, ball of fluff on a shrub in front of me.  I couldn’t see it clearly so I moved in closer expecting it to move, but it did not.  So I moved in closer.  To my complete surprise, it was a baby bird in the middle of a nap!!!  It’s head was tucked down under a wing and it had not seen or heard me.  

As quickly and quietly as possible, I went to get my phone - I wanted a picture.  When I returned the nap was over, but it the baby bird had not moved, hence the photo above.  I am amazed and thrilled to have a photo of this.  How many people actually see baby birds sleeping?  I have never anyone speak of seeing one.  

In quiet times, I am still savoring this experience and looking for more like because it fills my soul with happy feelings, smiles inside.  Is is possible that little things help sustain us if we take time to look for them?  I am convinced enough to try something intentionally. 

I have begun a search for these small things that make me smile in my heart even more than on my face, happy feelings.  My mountain laurel bloomed for the first time this year, pretty, delicate pink flowers - smile.  The potatoes and beans are poking through the ground - smile.  My grandson made me a paper airplane for my birthday and we played with it together - smile.  I get to snuggle my granddaughter who loves digging in the dirt as much as I do - smile.  These are the beginnings of my collection.  I am remembering it often and smiling much more.  

I invite you to begin a collection of small things that give you happy feelings, those smiles inside.  Write them down, take pictures of them, collect them in a box.  Do whatever it takes to remember them.  I am convinced they are food for your soul and will help sustain you when the darker moments of life want to take over.  

May your days be filled with moments when you notice the small things and smile