" I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe that LOVING is the best calorie burner. I believe kissing. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles." ~Audrey Hepburn

Monday, February 11, 2008

The "Little Things" in life.

"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude." ~Cynthia Ozick

<>I was leaving school one fall blissfully day last semester, completely burnt out - I had just finished my fifth class for the day. As I began making my long trek to BFE to get into my warm car I started thinking about all the things I needed to get done and new I couldn’t accomplish half of it that day. Nothing seemed to be going right and all I could focus on was the bad things that had happened to me throughout the year. It was depressing. I finally reached my car, put the key in the ignition and started my car…click click click...was all I heard. My car wouldn’t start. After trying to get it started for 15 minutes I began trekking myself back into the building to call Casey for help (I forgot my phone that day) . About halfway back to the building I felt an urge to go and try to start my car again. Not wanting to listen, but knew I should, I tuned around and started complaining to myself in my head. I didn’t think life could get any worse. Now imagine this…the furthest parking lot from school has two rows of parking spots then a line of trees separating the next two rows of parking spots and this pattern continues about a half a mile wide. As I approached this lot where my car war parked a huge gust of wind came that blew every last leaf off of each of these trees. There were yellow leaves, orange leaves, red leaves and some were even brown. It was like a perfect picture straight out of Winnie the Pooh on his “blissfully cold day” – it really was one of the prettiest things I had seen in a while. All I could do was just stand there and watch the leaves flutter down around me. There were hundreds and hundreds of them leaving the roads covered in an array of beauty. Why did I think that was such an amazing scene? The leaves fall off every tree every fall. But it was right then that I felt an awe-inspiring amount of love and I knew that I needed to pay attention to the little things in life that can bring me joy each day. I felt, it was Heavenly Fathers way of telling me “that everything is going to be all right.”


Since that day, I have made it a habit to always look for the “little things” that I get blessed with each day, that I way to often take for granted.


I want to list a couple of my “little things” that brightened my day last week.

<>1. My mom’s voice. I get to talk to her each and every day. I love the soothing tone her voice carries and the happiness I feel each day as I pick the phone up at work as she asks “how’s it going?”
2. Waking up each morning to a man I know would do anything in the world for me. – He will get out of bed just to go start the truck for me so it will be warm…even if
he doesn’t have to be anywhere.
3. My “deer.” There is a pack of deer that cross my path at least three times a week. They are absolutely beautiful. Last week I was on my way home crying – after
<>hearing some bad news that finally came as a reality to me and as I drove up a hill towards my house, there they were. The sun was almost completely set and it just left the silhouettes of about nine deer standing on the mountain side with the city lights brightly shining behind them. It was another one of those “thank you Heavenly Father” moments.
4. For my friends that are always there for me – even if I am complaining and especially those that challenge me to grow, learn and be a better person.

5. Back roads

6. The comforting flicker of the fireplace.

7. And Sunsets.

8 Love Notes:

Amylee said...

Mmmmm. I love it. I have kept a "happy thoughts" journal for many years now. It does help keep perspective. Here are some of mine today-
1. Hearing Will say "Choo Choo" when he saw the train at Dairy Keen (a little fast food joint in Heber) go around the track at the top of the restaraunt.
2. Going to school with the knowledge that my professor would make me laugh.
3. Hershey Kisses.
4. How Dallas falls asleep in the recliner while watching the news practically EVERY NIGHT.

Love you so Shelby. Thanks for sharing!

Jessica Peterson said...

I love your amazing story about the leaves! It is so true! My happy moment last week was my 19 month old cousin coming in to see me at work. My mom brought her and she always sets her down a little away from my cubicle.. I saw my mom so I got up and then comes little Sammie running to me. I too love the little things as they all add up to great things! Hope all is well with you dear! =)

Lish or Coors said...

Great thoughts Rachelle........I have a few of those amazing "tree" moments and they are memories in life that I don't think I will ever forget. Even though they are small in numbers......they are worth more than any treasure. Thank you for reminding me of that.

Lauren said...

That was nice to read. So I completely missed Jens Shower! My brain doesn't function the same lately. But I hope it went well, I'm sad I wasn't there!

Stacy said...

that was a sweet story- really it is the small things in life that bring true happiness. Thanks for sharing.

NatRat said...

Thanks for reminding me to remember the "sweet moments" I seem to take them all for granted, or I just don't take the time to notice them.

Anonymous said...

Those are some great things that would make all of us feel better! Sometimes, Heavenly Father has a great way of working things out! Mine yesterday was seeing my husband after being a few days apart due to family things. Sweet Post!

Rebecca said...

I love you forever; I like you for always; forever and ever my baby you'll be. 143 24/7 366 (this year!). xoxo mom