Something to smile about

Blogs by nature are suppose to be updated frequently. Such has NOT been my case recently. My life has been filled with a variety of activities, none of which connect - demanding extra brain cells to keep track of everything. And so enters my age of using Outlook. The task manager has become my friend....or better put, my brain. If I remember something I need to do - I post it as a task thus removing my need to "remember" everything in my brain.

So today as I cross off "update blog", it brought a smile to my face and I began to think of other odd things that have brought a smile in the past few days.

• Leaves falling from a tree so late in the season. Their dance down to earth is a moment to smile and pause.
• A butterfly scurrying aimlessly around my backyard
• Our dog - every morning when he wakes up with more energy and excitement than should be allowed at 6 a.m.
• A packed and overflowing room of couples wanting to a "Couple Checkup" to help their relationship
• A sunny day that is brisk and has no humidity
• The sound of the school bus bringing my kids home
• A suitcase - signifying a trip with my daughter to San Diego to help plan a wedding (another thing to smile about)

It seems to me the news and state of things seems to be causing an exorbitant amount of tension and worry. Maybe we need to take more time to reflect and smile.

What makes you smile?

Going Outside

Since the holidays, I have found myself inside more often than I would like. A rather odd winter has helped attribute itself to this fact. Days that are too cold, days that are dreary and damp, days that are warm and humid (the curse of living in the south). My days have been filled with tasks that were by nature indoors, in the car, or on the computer.

Then today I looked up from my screen and saw it was a beautiful day. I ventured out to find that there wasn't even humidity! And so I went outside, doing some chores (why can I never just sit and enjoy?), walked the dog, and marveled at what a beautiful day I almost missed. I wonder how many other things I miss because I fail to just look up.

So I encourage anyone who is reading this - lift up your head and look up from the screen - look outside - step outside - and if its nice, go for a walk.

Psalm 3:3

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.