Ah...February. The holidays have come and gone. The decorations all packed away. The company has ceased to come. Coldness and grayness finds it's way into my home, and if I am not watchful, into my heart.
I'm learning a new trade. It's called counting the small things.
The warmth that is billowing out of the wood stove. The warm snuggly feeling under my bed-covers. The sweet joy of holding a cup of hot liquid in my mouth a little bit longer.
Snuggling on the sofa with sweet hubby and precious teen-person. The mouth watering aroma of home-baked bread. Beauty of falling snow. Earths' quietness under that fresh crisp blanket.
Another book read, just for pleasure! A warm pot of soup simmering on the stove. The satisfaction of knowing I made it myself. The joy of glimpsing sun-beams streaming though.
Clearance Sales at my favorite stores! New recipes and time to try them. A fun movie, and a favored one to see it with. Extra time to sit with my Father.
A card tucked in the mail to a loved one. A friend, calling to say "hello". A "getting-married" daughter sharing excitement over a favorite cake topper. The pretty colors on a favorite mug.
Small things. But oh so big. Blessings that I don't make time to count in the busy seasons. One's that somehow, I just overlook. Like they are not even there. Yet, ...huge things. Ones that some would so desire to change places with me for.
Father, teach me to count my blessings. To name them, one by one. So that I may find joy in my heart. In the things that You have so richly blessed me with. And that I may pass your joy and your thankfulness on to the fellow travelers in my journey.
Thank you so much for the small things.
