Finding Little Pleasures

My friend Amy posted some fun "Top Tens" and I decided to play along. In my quest toward health, I've become aware that many of my pleasures revolve around food. On one hand, that's fine - our bodies require fuel, and there's no reason the refueling process can't be enjoyable. On the other hand, constantly indulging is bad. Duh. Anyway, here are some things I've been savoring the past weeks that don't involve food:

1. Backyard wildlife. We have such an amazing variety of birds and insects down here! I particularly love watching all the dragonflies. And little lizards climbing around on flowers are cool, too.
2. Family games. Our kids love games - and now that they're getting older, it's really fun to see them thinking about strategy. Also a nice way to sneak in lessons about winning and losing. Aggravation is a current fave, and I recently picked up a Lego game that I think we'll be trying out this weekend.
3. Quiet. With both kids in school now, I have the amazing luxury of HOURS all to myself. No squabbles, no requests for help, no TV noise. And while I often do have music playing, I find that I'm loving the silence, too.
4. Happy noises. The quiet makes me appreciate these even more! Hearing the giggles of anticipation as the kids plot an attack on Daddy. Laughing uproariously at goofy jokes (or shows like America's Funniest Home videos, which our son dubbed "Fall Down" when he was about 3). Even hearing my hubby complete a simple home task with the help of our son. Priceless.
5. Reading material. Whether a good novel (just finished the third Camel Club book by David Baldacci, and am wondering when he'll be writing another) or a magazine with beautiful photographs, I so enjoy holding these in my hands and getting lost in the pages, even if it's just for 3 minutes. Don't think I could ever be converted to an e-reader (but if anyone would like to buy me a Kindle I'd be willing to give it a go ;)
6. Open windows. The nights are just now getting cool enough that I can open our windows around 8 PM or so. As much as I love air conditioning, nothing can beat a breeze blowing through a window. And I would also like to add that I'm thankful for screens that keep the pests out!
7. Exercise. This is definitely a work in progress. I cannot say that I just love the sense of exhilaration when I completed the marathon (HA!) but I am learning to appreciate the invigoration, the feeling of "aliveness" as I move. Maybe that endorphin rush that those experts talk about really does exist...
8. A completed task. I have been making a conscious effort to stop for a moment when something is done (i.e. the laundry is all folded) and relish the sense of accomplishment. There is a neverending list of things to be done, but I'm trying not to constantly focus on (and whine about) those tasks - a bit of positivity is muy bueno!
9. Friendship. It's taken some time to establish bonds down here, and it's just made me realize just what a blessing friends truly are. I am thankful to say that I'm married to my best friend and we can talk about anything... he also realizes that I need girlfriends, and encourages me to stay connected, whether we're talking on the phone or meeting up for a bowl of soup somewhere.
10. My relationship with Christ. I'm just so humbled by and grateful for my Savior. He died for miserable, pathetic me and wants to be part of my day-to-day life. As I delve into the Word and spend time in prayer, I can feel the relationship deepening and I'm so thankful for His presence. In some ways it's disheartening because as the layers of my life are peeled back, I see just how sinful I am -- but I know that He is there to strengthen and comfort me as those issues are addressed. I pray that I can reflect just a bit more of His glory each day.