Happy Thoughts

As I sat at my computer today, searching for that small sweet spot in my new bifocals that allows me to actually see words clearly, my frustration was eased by my cousin Susie's blog: A few of my favorite things. It brought a smile to my face to read about the things that delight my precious friend. Then, Susie asked me what I love and encouraged me to start my own list today. So, here I am. I want to be grumpy because I can't see well - the world is swimming with every head movement - and my new frames feel so different; but I've decided to think on lovely things instead. The loveliest are those rare or fleeting things that don't come often or remain long, but fill us with warmth, comfort or indescribable joy while they last. I'm reminded of Peter Pan and those happy thoughts that lifted him and his friends off the ground and sent them flying. I'm all out of pixie dust at the moment, but maybe a few happy thoughts will lighten my step. I hope that some are familiar to you as well. Here are my happiest thoughts:

the manifested presence of God that covers like a warm quilt
the silence of snowfall
hearing my husband sing
holding a sleeping baby
dreaming about my mom
the smell of linseed oil as I paint
late night conversations with Jessey
Quinten's zinger remarks that catch me off guard and make me laugh
puppy breath
the morning kitty parade across my desk
a new bloom in the garden
the peaceful hush that follows fervent prayer
the thrill of a thunderstorm
waking up to a slow, steady rain
falling asleep to the sound of my sons' conversation and laughter
girl talk
a hug from a child
fall leaves crunching beneath my feet
that first feeling that the holidays are near
Christmas carols
Christmas morning
a book so good that I miss it when I'm finished reading
seeing a good, suspenseful movie for the first time
new revelation on a familiar scripture
positive feedback at work
digging in the earth
sculpting with clay
homemade chocolate chip cookie dough
chocolate gravy & biscuits
the annual question, "Mom, when are you going to make Christmas cookies?"
the smell of vanilla
telling someone that God truly loves them and seeing them get it
reconnecting with an old friend
realizing that you've made a new lifetime friend
hugging someone that you have deeply missed
pressing past fear to find confidence
the sea at sunrise
the feel of waves pulling and pushing me as I venture deeper
clouds at sunset
an out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere star-filled sky
waking up to a full moon shining in my window, then falling back to sleep
the woods at night
hearing the woods wake up just before dawn
the hush of twilight
leaves dancing in the wind
holding out my arms in a strong wind and feeling that I can fly
my husband's embrace
riding a motorcycle on a country road at night
a dog's quiet company
horseback riding
standing next to my sons and looking up at them
double rainbows
kitty kisses when I'm crying
unexpected blessings
sitting on top of a mountain and hearing God's voice
fourth watch prayer
watching a fire burn down to a bed of embers
cooking Thanksgiving dinner
singing along with my favorite songs when no one can hear
the deep blue of a sapphire
watching my sons grow
glimpses of heaven

Finally, my brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think on these things.  ~ Philippians 4:8