Practicing Gratitude

I've been thinking about gratitude a lot this last week. Although I am hugely aware and thankful for the "big" things -- healthy husband and children, comfortable home, etc. -- I've been thinking about the small things that make up my days. A lot of them are annoying if I let them be, and I often do. But posting a list gives pause. A good thing.

A lot of my little things are worldly and trifling. It's okay, I can still be thankful for them.

• ginger
• unpacking the Christmas candle I have had for over 30 years, and sniffing the aroma that takes me back to those days
• a rainy holiday and no need to go out
• a precious visit with all three daughters
• M's animated description of her new semester's classes
• H taking my hand when we were walking together the other day
• E's hard work to create a family dinner party under fairly stressful conditions; she succeeded amazingly well
• almond butter
• Trader Joe's
• museums (yes, really)
• electricity
• our daughters' friends - they have good judgment