This morning I find myself tucked inside one of my favorite kind of days. I’m home. Though the sky is gray and the temperature is a low 32 degrees, a gentle snowfall is taking place outside my window. Tree branches and shrubs are sagging under the weight of the snow’s heaviness. Yesterday’s tracks through the yard along with muddy patches from previous warmer days are now covered over with a blanket of fresh, pure white flakes, creating yet another picturesque scene suitable for a calendar photo. Kids in our community and surrounding areas have been delighted to hear a “snow day” declared for suspension of attending school. They are in a happy place I’m sure; I know that I am. Though I don’t have anywhere to be today, I am most happy to be home and enjoy not only the beauty of a “snow day” but pause to take a moment and consider those things that give me joy. Another word to substitute for joy is gratitude or thankfulness.

Years ago, I learned the importance of taking time to reflect on what I could be grateful for each day, week, month, or passing year of my life. Obvious things include a home, food, family….while those are indeed important, I like to challenge myself to look beyond the most common things in life and dig deeper to add other items or circumstances to my daily gratitude list–to find joy in big or small occurrences of life. Such was the case the past several days…let me give you a glimpse….

Over the weekend I heard the familiar text notification on my phone. When I opened the message it contained a photo from a dear friend. She had made a snow angel in a beautiful pristine area of her yard. Along with the photo was a lighthearted challenge that stated “your turn”. We are both in our 60s, living life a little bit more stiff and sore around the joints, but our spirits are contrary to society’s message that we “are old”….(I need to make my snow angel soon!)

This past Sunday we visited our son’s family for a couple hours and I spent most of it sitting on the floor with our two grandchildren, ages 3 and almost 2. We looked at a magazine of wild animals together, played with Play Do, changed diapers on several babies, worked on puzzles, and I got at least three shots in my arm. I don’t get up from sitting on the floor very gracefully compared to much younger years, but the fun while down there was totally worth the effort getting up on my feet when it was time to return home. Perhaps, my greatest moment of feeling swelled up with overflowing joy, was catching from the corner of my eye, how our son “looked” at his precious beautiful daughter as she toddled by us in the room, chatting away using all her new words. His “look” didn’t need words to describe his love for her….I think most people know exactly what I’m talking about, right? When I saw that quick, brief connection his eyes made when gazing at her, I melted.

Last evening our granddaughter, who will turn 7 in April, called me via FaceTime to show me her new “workout” leotard. She’s been performing cartwheels and head stands in living rooms across family lines for over a year. Her mom, our daughter, finally located a studio near their home to take her to (report on that later!) and see if she’s a candidate for professional instruction. Hopefully all those cartwheels and other physical feats on her purple workout mat and hardwood floors will give her the payoff she’s been asking for this past year.

These–and so much more–have given me much joy as I was caught up in each moment. Joy was accompanied with gratitude that filled my heart, soul, mind, and spirit. The best part? They didn’t cost me anything other than time, being available, connecting, and appreciating how memories are created using basic methods….talking and laughing….being outside in God’s beauty….watching little children find pleasure in toys and athletic ability…but above all witnessing their desire to be with gramma or show her “my moves, watch this gramma!”

Today, the snow can continue for as long as it needs or desires. I’m tucked inside where it’s nice and warm. We have lots of options for hot beverages to warm the insides as the new snow piles and covers the ground below. My connection to the outside world is low on my list today; I am content to reflect on the past several days that filled my gratitude tank. I’ll find a few things to do around the house, take time this afternoon to relax under a throw blanket while sipping on tea or hot chocolate, and wait….wait for more joy to come my way. Wait for another play day with grands. Wait for another FaceTime call to tell me ALL about showing “my moves”….