It's the little things that count!

I've been taking joy in the little things these past two weeks. It has been my goal to take note of and enjoy all of the small things that life has to give, the things that are normally forgotten in the hustle and bustle of every day life.

Here is a list of the little things that I've noticed and taken joy in over the past several weeks:

1. The irises whose foliage is just beginning to peak above the ground. (I love to garden and have sorely missed it the past two months, it was a breath of fresh air to see the signs of spring.)
2. The pansies which the care taker of Residence Inn placed about the grounds. (These flowers, being my favorite, were the first thing that I noticed when we came here a month ago.)
3. The rain showers that have been combined with the sun shining its rays through the clouds. (Mama and I had mutually decided that we liked the rain, but it was best enjoyed when the sun was allowed to peak through at us every so often.)
4. Cuddling up with my little sisters during the family bible time.
5. Singing during the Church service on Sunday mornings. (I love to worship with song, it is rejuvinating to stand in a congregation and lift up our voices together.)
6. Baking cookies and bread. (Normally baking is more of a routine part of my life, I always enjoy doing it but it doesn't bring exceptional pleasure. Now that baking doesn't happen so often, it has become and out of the ordinary pleasure that brings me much joy. And it makes the hotel smell like a real home!)

When placed with all that life offers us, good and bad, the little things seem rather insigificant and unnoteworthy. But they really can bring some of the greatest joy, and help to lighten an otherwise wearisome day.