All Photos by Michelene Cain
A couple of years ago my husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas. My reply was “a bird feeder”. I knew exactly where I wanted it to hang too. Right outside my dining room window.
It was there that I could sit, have my morning coffee and watch the birds come and go. And surely they did. As the birds came to toggle for a piece of sunflower seed or other niblet out of the feeder, I gazed at them. I marveled at their color, their speed and their beautiful uniqueness.
In those moments, I slowed down. I watched, enjoyed and delighted. It was my time and space to relax my mind; a meditation so to speak.
If you love to bird watch, I’m sure you know what I mean. Birds are something to behold; a wonder of nature and God’s special creatures.
I love the bright red of the male cardinal, the subdued muted pink of the female. The chickadees. The woodpecker, ready for a fashion statement with its red head and black/white striped body. Ah, watching them brings joy to my heart!
I tried to think of some other of my favorite simple pleasures. Here they are:
My first cup of coffee in the morning, steamy and hot with a good splash of cream.
The sight of the pine trees around my house, laden heavy with the winter snow.
The smell of clothes warm and fragrant from the dryer.
Chicken soup simmering in a pot on the stove, ready to be enjoyed for dinner with good crusty bread.
A road trip laden with treasure stops, such as a good antique store or better yet, a Fiesta Ware outlet!
The smell of a baby right after a bath.
Home baked cookies in the oven on a cold winter’s day.
May you notice the simple pleasures your life today! What’s your favorite(s)?
