that proves something."
harper lee
You don't have to look far to find a reminder that "it's the little things in life." I don't know if it's a new era of internet, blogging mama's and Pinterest that has this sunny quotes more accessible, or if because of this new era of technology that we feel we need to be reminded so often.
Maybe it's like a tall home? There are of course the monumental and symbolic floors of the house. Graduation, marriage, children, the beginning of a particular career that took one's life a whole different direction, a significant move, buying a home, retiring. The big stuff. But the "little" stair steps that connect the floors are possibly more important than the floors themselves.
The teachers, who day in and day out nurtured and taught you, the friends who built and destroyed you, the restaurant that hosted a first date, the outfit that won and the clothes that were left behind on the floor for the same first date, the first kisses and "I love you's" and realizations, the happy friends who are so excited to throw you a shower (and the one scandalous friend we all have the offends your grandmother every other sentence), the belly that grew slowly but surely, the first time you went shopping and saw baby clothes and couldn't resist buying something - even a pair of socks - for your own child inside you, the trips to Home Depot, the hard hard hard hours late into the night, the excited unpacking and arranging your own home, when "your song" comes on the radio, you find out a friend is dating a really (actually truly) good guy, your guests loved the meal you made, friends bring you meal after meal during hard times, that really really good book you finished, when you wake up and actually love your job on a random Wednesday in the winter, he texted you during the day just because you're on his mind, your mom helps you with the things only moms can help with, and finding good deals at the grocery store so you can pay your rent and your taxes on time.
I'm passionate about caring for those little things because the big things would mean nearly nothing without them. The things and stuff of life are often condemned as creating busyness, greed and selfishness. Sure, of course they do sometimes. But other times they are really, really good.
"I thank Thee for the temporal blessings of this world - the refreshing air, the light of the sun, the food that renews strength, the raiment that clothes, the dwelling that shelters, the sleep that gives rest, the starry canopy of night, the summer breeze, the flowers' sweetness, the music of flowing streams, the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends.
Things animate, things inanimate, minister to my comfort. My cup runs over. Suffer me not to be insensible to these daily mercies." (one of my favorite Puritan prayers.)
SO. As flowers bloom and light lingers longer we're going to share with each other little joys. Each day in April will be focused on finishing this sentence: "Today I am enjoying __(verb)___ __(instagram pic)___."
Hashtag #enjoyproject and include @imkristen_ so I can see your picture!
