Bless This Normal Day

Bless this normal day. The sunlight streaming in through the pale gray curtains. The fresh coffee brewing. I look down and see two faces staring up at me, patiently waiting as they always do. The pair lay next to each other quietly watching me move about the kitchen in this early morning hour. I love how their little eyes and beings just seem to exude gratitude, too, after I set down their breakfast. All for a bowl of mushy dog food, gobbled down with such joy and gusto!

It’s the small things, isn’t it? Especially after this last year. I have a deeper appreciation for things like being able to walk into a coffee shop and order a chai. Yesterday I went to the neighborhood coffee house and I waited in line, masked, and realized that the fear I felt a year ago about doing something like this has finally begun to diminish. I sanitized my hands with a squirt from the little pump next to the register, grabbed my hot drink and went on my way.

Today I’m going to see my parents for the first time in a year and a half. We’re all fully vaccinated now. No small thing, actually. But it will be the small things while there that bring me joy, I know. 

Drinking coffee together in the mornings and hugs from each of them (is there anything better than a hug from your Mom?). Neighborhood walks and maybe planting some geraniums in pots to help get the patio all ready for summer.  Making a special breakfast on Mother’s Day.

Nothing special, just ordinary moments. Although ordinary moments have become more special this last year, haven’t they. A pandemic has illuminated for us how quickly life can change. 

We’ve waited for this. the day it would feel safe to travel. To gather in person with loved ones, unmasked, and to share meals and hug freely without fear. Whoever thought it would feel so special just to hug again?

Bless you this beautiful spring day in May and all that you bring. Our little dog’s first trip back to Illinois. Our first time back in so long. The sun that is shining. The masks on our face as we walk through the airport to our next gate. And the family visit that awaits us. A visit that feels more precious than ever on this seemingly normal day. 

Tell me: what are the ordinary, everyday moments in life that are feeling special to you right now?