this list is lengthy -- and I believe that's a good thing.
- getting in the car and seeing at least five inspiration exchange cds from your best friend who sends them from across the country
- eating outside in the sunshine
- a really good worship song
- watching your sister be a mother
- a worn Bible
- Andrea Bocelli & Katharine McPhee belting the notes of "The Prayer" on blu-ray with surround sound
- the smile from 'that person' when you catch each others' eyes from across the room
- itunes giftcards
- seeing a thunder storm within the clouds up in an airplane and realizing just how small you are in this world
- listening to "ragdoll" by aerosmith with the windows down, sunglasses on, and the breeze putting tangles in your hair
- wasting time
- feeling your best friend's baby boy kick from within her round pregant belly
- seeing families in restaurants stop and pray before their meal
- spotting your first firefly of the summer
- shivering on the first brisk day of fall when the leaves are faintly yellow
- sitting down at the piano to practice fundamentals for two hours
- giving gifts and anticipating reactions
- realizing your potential
- praying, not for yourself, but for others
- using your imagination
- the feeling you get once you turn in a huge paper
- effortless harmony when singing with your sisters
- watching your brother throw his first touchdown pass - and knowing you'll see hundreds more
- seeing cars on the highway with "just married" signs...bliss
- a rainy day (when you're prepared for it)
- beautiful reunions with old high school friends
- reading a proverb a day
- toy story 3
- being canadian
- a word document that is 41 pages long...made up entirely of quotes
- when romo throws a touchdown
- creating something uniquely "you"
- singing silly little songs with your favorite toddler...embracing your inner child to make him laugh
- christmas movies
- elderly people who are happy
- cashing checks
- fresh highlights in your hair or a new hair cut
- songs in minor keys - ironically letting the sadness liven your heart
- good, timely hugs
- your nephew's little smiles that spread across his fat cheeks as you make silly faces over skype
- saying something funny...and actually making people laugh
- spending money at the movie theater on a movie that was totally worth it (popcorn doused in butter is a plus)
- getting mail
- when someone tells you he/she loves texas
- a heartfelt compliment
- chick-fil-a when you're craving it
- talking about faith with your friends
- a new pair of shoes
- discovering a new musician
- lengthy prayer time...the kind where you lose all concept of time because you're chatting away with Jesus
- making time for reading novels
- an early morning run
- loving people who forget you
- organizing your songs on itunes by playlists -- descriptive and mood oriented playlists -- pointless, but strangely self-fulfilling
- seeing your younger sisters become strong leaders
- sunshine at the perfect angle so you can see the distinct rays cutting across your vision
- the pretty names you save for your future children (I don't share them in fear of being made fun of/stolen from)
- grammar grammar grammar
- driving - for the music and the option to go really fast
- some good ole shakespeare when you're feeling romantic
- hearing your favorite song at a live concert
- road trips with your family
- staying up late at night and sleeping late into the morning
- eating a hotdog at a baseball game
- crunching leaves under your cozy boots on an October day
- finding a good sale on something you really, really wanted
- having people fully trust you with their children
- singing when no one is listening
beauty in life and most importantly, beauty within yourself, is found in the little things.
Inspiration exchange. A sacred tradition. I love you so very much, best friend. So very very much.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your soul. I appreciate that you see life's beauty in the smallest and most delicate of moments. I appreciate that you see the hope of the world in the spark of a child's eyes. I appreciate that you treasure it.