This wasn't the scene for me when I was reading one of my favorite magazines ( "Mary Janes Farm" Feb-Mar. 2010 ) but life's simple pleasures is something we all tend to forget. An article I had read sparked my memory of moments in life that I should always be grateful for.
Be it memories with family or friends, events or outings, even moments where just life itself reminds us just how much it has to offer, we should take a trip to think about all we have to be thankful for. Often in difficult times in our lives, times we feel we don't have the strength to go on, a memory of something simple can get us through.
I quote from "Here for life." one of the articles from the Mary Jane magazine listed above. "We have the world at our fingertips...we can tap into the talents of women worldwide...". She (Mary Jane) went on to talk about women and their talents shared. Knitters to carpenters, working together in one way or another to share their talents and knowledge.
Somehow the article brought me to thinking how much I over look the simple pleasures life has to offer. I lived in Iowa for several years and have met many farming families. I often envied the farmers wives for their country living. Theirs lives were so laid back compared to that of the hustle and bustle of city life but after living there among them, it wasn't long before I was in with the laid back lifestyle. It was then that I had given myself time to think of all the gifts I was given. Of course I remember the hard work that goes along with the life of a farming family. From pot luck dinners to quilting shows. From country fairs to the friendly atmosphere of the local grocery stores. There was much to overlook and not appreciate as I should have. I feel very lucky, for some people can only appreciate life if they live in a lap of comfort and luxury but I was able to have open eyes and see that even amongst the thorns there is a beautiful rose attached.
It's never to late to notice the small things. Yesterday my partner took me to a beach. Growing up in the mid-west I didn't get to see the ocean. Although I had travelled when I was very young my only memory of the ocean was in black and white but I do remember the seashells I picked up while my mother was hollering out "watch out for the waves coming in." Being at the beach with my partner gave me many things to cherish about that moment. The beautiful waves, the blue coloring of the water, the different birds and watching one of the sea gulls eating a freshly caught crab leg. A man nearby rushing to get to the water to surf while a women walking by could only imagine the air being chilly and the silliness of a surfer going out.
Remember the small things and when your out today look with eyes that see what you may have over looked yesterday. Look at your children for they grow so fast and before you know it they are adults with kids of there own. Look at the scenery around you, there is beauty in places you never noticed before.
Whether you are rich or poor, young or old. You have the small things to remember and don't let life just pass you by without glancing at the rose that is sitting in the midst of broken promises, heartache and the unfulfillment in your lives.
