Oh, Joy!

Have you ever seen someone so happy over something as small as crossing the street? I recently have and it brought joy to my heart. As I was sitting at a busy intersection, I saw an older man run across the street and throw his arms up in success with a big smile on his face. He caught a glimpse of me smiling with him in his endeavor and waived to me happily as he walked past my stationary car, I could not help but wave back. As I drove away from that moment joy filled my heart and my day was blessed by the man who celebrated something so small.

I began to ponder, why I have stopped myself from celebrating the little things. As I go about my busy day, I tend to forget to stop and enjoy the scenery, the sun, even a passing stranger.

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Life for most is filled with work, errands, school, so much to do in so little time, that we can easily get caught in a “to-do” mindset and forget to enjoy the little things.

So, I pray for a spirit of thanks in my heart for the little things that I so often take for granted. I pray that the next time I cross the street I will take the time to say thank you God, today is a beautiful day, and I hope you too can find joy in the little things that many have forgotten.  

Christina Lynn-Valencia