Some days the hardest thing to do is "just keep swimming". This life is insane, and crazy, and maddening, and it's easy to feel like you're drowning. But, you know what, in the midst of all this madness...
Life can also be so beautiful.
The other day I was just sitting, thinking about all the little ways that life is lovely, and it lit up my day so much that I decided to share these small beauties with you. Without further ado, here are the things that make my world shine a little brighter.
The temporary high that comes from honest, belly-aching, tear-jerking laughter.
Finally curling up in bed after a long day.
The sound of boiling water in a kettle, which means you're one step closer to that hot beverage.
Warm sweaters on cold days.
Soup. Just soup.
Finding someone who loves that one obscure thing as much as you do, when you thought you were alone, and you both burst with the joy of finally being able to talk about it.
Discovering something you're good at, no matter how small that thing is.
Making up after an argument, and realizing how much you love that person all over again.
Every single thing about rainy days.
Dancing. By yourself, with friends, on stage, in the grocery store.
Hearing a song for the first time that just meets you exactly where you are.
Your whole family being at home at the same time.
Sparkling misty mornings and cool starry nights.
Roasting marshmallows on a chilly evening, and then falling asleep smelling like a campfire.
The first snow after fall.
The first warm day after winter.
Apple orchards.
Small towns with quaint little shops.
Old movies.
Hearing married couples talk about their love story together.
Colorfully painted skies.
Conquering a fear, no matter how big or small.
Staying up late because you and a family member got talking about life and lost track of the time.
When you notice something that was hard for you is finally getting easier.
Going for a prayer walk on a windy day, and feeling God whisper to you through the tree branches.
When you really enjoy being with someone, and you realize for the first time that they really enjoy being with you too.
Watching your favorite movie and knowing every line.
Introducing a friend to something you love, and they end up loving it too.
Any answer to prayer, even if it's not the answer you expected.
Being amazed at God's love for you for the first time all over again.
When someone asks how you are and truly wants to know.
Experiencing the sights of a brand new place for the first time.
The warm familiarity of the first step back inside your house after going on vacation.
When a book gets so good that your imagination replaces the words with images.
Being able to provide someone with something they needed.
When a spontaneous project actually turns out well.
Making someone smile.
Meeting someone that inspires you.
Making peace with yourself again.
When the words come out just right.
Feeling like you need to cry, but can't. And then someone hugs you and let's you vent, like they read your mind.
When you wait patiently (or sometimes not so patiently) for something, and God provides.
The smell of your favorite food.
When they accidentally make your coffee one size bigger than you asked for.
A kept promise.
Using the human ability to sing whenever and wherever you possibly can. Especially in the car with the radio blasting. Especially when you know your voice is off pitch, but don't care.
The first day you start getting over a cold, and learn to appreciate the ability to breathe, smell, and taste all over again.
Creating art, no matter how badly done, simply because the passion was bursting inside you.
Finding a verse in the Bible that relates perfectly to your situation.
Looking back to finally see the good that came from the bad, and how God placed everything perfectly.
Realizing just how fortunate you really are...
