Appreciating Her and So Much More (Gratitude)

“… the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls off a string.”—Anonymous

“… the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls off a string.”—Anonymous Share on X

“It would be nice to live in her world,” the van driver commented as she watched Rachel walk toward her, expressing joy with each step.

She only knew Rach for a few short months, but she got it. She understood what had taken me the better part of thirteen years to see. She recognized the precious gift God had given to Rachel—the capacity to live life to the fullest.

Living Life to the Fullest

My daughter has the enviable ability to appreciate each day, to enjoy her life in the moment, to notice and rejoice at the tiny bundles of pleasure available to all of us but recognized by few.

She delights in feeding the dog—one nugget at a time!

Instead of complaining about the rain, she enjoys each drop as it hits her nose.

The moon is celebrated with the same fervor each time it presents itself.

Rachel loves life!

To be sure, she still gets upset (just ask her brothers about traveling without Adventures in Odyssey!). But it rarely lasts long. Unlike me, she doesn’t hold onto that disappointment or anger. She doesn’t carry hurts and grievances into her next experience. She replaces grudges and bitterness with love and grace.

Perhaps it is time for me to learn something from my preschool teenager. Maybe I shouldn’t let the toothpaste in the sink upset me or get angry when clothes are strewn across the floor. When the drying rack or toilet paper roll is turned the wrong way, it might be okay. The hat hanging in the kitchen yet again may not be such a big deal.

Gratitude

Perhaps it is time to develop an awareness and appreciation of the small moments that weave a day together.

I believe it just might be the season to work on accepting and embracing the little intricacies of each day as they present themselves. Just like Rachel!

Pray for an awareness and appreciation of the small moments that weave a day together. Share on X

“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

So much more to be thankful for (see all my One Thousand [or More] Gifts posts):

126. A daughter who shows me daily how to appreciate the little things.

127. Annual (sort of) trip to the apple orchard with family. It was a beautiful day!

128. Freshly picked apples!

129. Being there for my son as he experienced the disappointment of losing his first tackle football game.

130. Watching Rachel bowl for Special Olympics. She took first place in her little group!

131. The first batch of Dave’s chili for the season—hard to beat!

132. Worshiping the Lord through song on Wednesday nights.

133. A wonderful high school vocal concert in which both older boys were singing (and Christian songs were performed).

134. Fresh venison chops for supper!

135. Playing in the leaves with the kids on a gorgeous fall day.

Reflections: Have you learned to let the little annoyances go? Do you notice and celebrate the small threads that make up your days?