“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.” = Walter Hagen

Both of my fur-boys seem to enjoy stopping to smell the flowers. And it always reminds me to pause in appreciation.

We are given so many tiny opportunities to savor, if you think about it. The sweet smell of a hot chai latte. The warmth of sun on the skin. The soothing sound of trees branches rustling and swaying in the breeze. The furry weight of my dog snoozing on my feet. Listening to a favorite tune playing overhead at the store — and strolling to the rhythm while I shop. The peaceful silence that comes with prayer. So many micro-gifts that fill the day – and even the night (the sound of owls conversing in the back yard).

I think a guy that I crossed paths with at the park this morning summed it up best. When we exchanged our good mornings, I added a “how are ya?” His face lit up with an enormous smile, he lifted his hands towards the sky and exclaimed, “I woke up this morning. I’m great!”

You could feel the sincerity of his gratitude. His joy touched my heart, brought a smile to my face and filled me with a spirit of thanks for the very air in my lungs.

Of course I’m not saying that our days are not without frustrations, trials, pain and grief. Just scan the news headlines for 30 seconds if you need proof of that. But as long as the short visit of this life continues, we have countless reasons to say thanks if we’re willing to be present, look for the good, realize how lucky we are – and to multiply our joy by sharing it with others.