What do lap cats, crescent moons, and window and mirror reflections have in common? Mainly that they are things in which I saw ordinary beauty. Today I’m feeling
Gratitude for Ordinary Days.
Life often feels like riding a series of waves. Some of them are huge and crashing. Others are small and enjoyable. Last week was filled with many small enjoyable waves. And I am still savoring the simple beauty of it all.
It has taken awhile, but I certainly do know it now – the most wonderful gift I had, the gift I finally learned to cherish above all else, was the gift of all those perfectly ordinary days.
— Katrina Kenison, The Gift of an Ordinary Day: A Mother’s Memoir
The photo above is one I made of my daughter’s cat BB, who was enjoying my lap during a cat sitting visit. She was so happy in my lap, how could I not be happy in response? Isn’t she the prettiest cat?
Simple Beauty
And I gasped with delight to see this perfect sky reflection in the building’s windows a week ago as I was leaving a physical therapy appointment.
I saw the bright blue sky, a few soft white clouds, and trees reflected in the building’s windows. Perfection! I could hardly see where the building ended and the real sky behind it began.
One morning last week as I was finishing up my meditation, I looked over at the mirror on my dresser and was captured by the beauty of an ordinary scene that I’ve seen countless times.
Every day, no matter how ordinary, can be filled with extraordinary moments of grace and beauty. It’s up to us to notice those moments and savor the joy of all the simple blessings in our lives.
Not a day goes by that I don’t still need to remind myself that my life is not just what’s handed to me, nor is it my list of obligations, my accomplishments or failures, or what my family is up to, but rather it is what I choose, day in and day out, to make of it all. When I am able simply to be with things as they are, able to accept the day’s challenges without judging, reaching, or wishing for something else, I feel as if I am receiving the privilege, coming a step closer to being myself. It’s when I get lost in the day’s details, or so caught up in worries about what might be, that I miss the beauty of what is.
― The Gift of an Ordinary Day: A Mother’s Memoir
I find myself having to return to noticing the beauty of ordinary days time and time again when I get caught up in wanting to go somewhere or do something I am not physically able to do.
Limitations are a part of life. Suffering because of those limitations is optional. I live a fuller, more joyful life when I pay attention to the grace of the present moment.
Wishing you many ordinary days filled with the grace of the present moment. May you also experience gratitude for ordinary days.
May you walk in beauty.
Waxing Crescent Moon, last evening, view from my living room window
0 Comments