Have you ever been walking down the street when something caught your eye? Something beautiful. Something unexpected. Something that made you smile.
Yesterday, I was walking to the parking lot from Hubbard Welcome Center at Butler County Community College. Large meticulously groomed planters stood in front of the building. Mild-fall weather means they contain mature plants in their prime. Beautiful.
Like I too often do, I walked down the sidewalk deep in thought not noticing the beauty of the plants to my left. Then a gust of wind ruffled the leaves. I glanced at the lush sweet potato vines—lime green, dark green, and reddish-purple leaves. Delightful.
Then I saw them. Gorgeous pink trumpet-like flowers. Impossible, I thought. But on closer inspection, I confirmed those flowers came from buds on the sweet potato vines. I smiled. Who knew that these wonderful vines produced such beautiful fall flowers?
I wonder what other things I walk past while I am preoccupied with thinking about the next item on my to-do list. Could I be missing a smile? Is there a possibility I might have experienced the joy of performing a kind deed for someone? Maybe I could slow down long enough to hold a door for a mom struggling to maneuver a stroller through it.
How much richer would my life be if I practiced being more observant?
What joys am I missing because I am too busy?
What are some simple joys you experienced this week?
I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. Ecclesiastes 3:12