Taking Time to Smell the Roses

In the middle of busy days I'm trying to learn to take time to stop and actually enjoy the small things in life. I want to be mindful that I'm not just racing from one thing to the next, but learning to appreciate what's going on around me and live in the moment. 

I tend to be task-oriented, but then regret the missed opportunities to lean in and listen to people in my life and soak in the beauty of nature around me. 

I had few minutes before a friend came for coffee yesterday morning so I just sat in this room and enjoyed some silence for a time. I didn't sit glued to my phone or reading or anything. I just sat and relaxed. I didn't even get up to adjust that crooked tablecloth! 😀

As much as I can even when I am working I try and sit on my back patio to work. Mornings are the best because it's shady and cool. I find that I can't sit there with the laptop in the afternoon because it's too bright and I can't see the screen. I get visits from birds who don't realize I'm there, as well as the pesky chipmunk who runs across my foot every now and then and startles us both!

I also attempt to walk each day so I can totally disconnect and enjoy God's creation. The past two weeks have been so busy and I've just walked in my neighborhood. However, yesterday afternoon I went to our local Audubon center and enjoyed one of my favorite spots to walk, reflect and pray. 

I admired these delicate little blossoms tucked away in the high grass. 

I didn't purchase flowers this year, but went frugal with my back patio and repotted many of my house plants and brought them outdoors. I am so thrilled that they have really thrived in the sunshine and being outside.

Every time I walk by my herb garden, I brush my hand over the herbs and just breathe in the wonderful aroma. I've been enjoying fresh herbs as well as picking some to dry.

I love the taste of fresh berries off the vine. They still have the warmth of the sun on them and are delicious.

I've also been attempting to stop working and just sit and read a book for sheer pleasure. Not to "learn something," or to use in ministry, but just for the enjoyment of reading. One of my favorite fiction writers is Agatha Christie. I love a good mystery book! I'm currently reading The Mystery of the Blue Train.

I had coffee with a friend from church yesterday and we had a wonderful chat for about an hour and a half. As she was leaving she jokingly said, "We didn't get anything done." and it caused me to wonder if that is the impression I leave people and that the only reason I was inviting her over was for a task. I told her, "The purpose was just to visit and catch-up!" I want to always make sure that I'm focused on people and not checking something off my to-do list.

I want to slow down, live in the moment and take some time to stop and smell the roses.