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Certain moments in time just make me grin. It could be something as small as a shared smile or laughing out loud. I am becoming more and more aware that happiness is not in the destination. I will never, in this lifetime, come to a place where all is well, everything is perfect, and there are no worries. I am concerning myself less and less with the “if onlys” of life. If only, I could lose weight…then I’d be happy. If only, I didn’t have to worry about money, or had more money…then I’d be happy. If only, I had an exciting job…then I’d be happy. If onlys can be deadly to a life, draining it of the happiness that can be found in the small every day moments of the here and now. Moments that are weaved into each day. Moments that make this life worth living.
It is a continual learning process for me…and to be honest, I am not always good at it…this learning to be happy and thankful in the midst of the day. In the middle of the moments. The shimmer of light that, on some days, I search for in the darkness. I have much to be thankful for, much to rejoice in, and much to be happy about. So, I keep at it.
Not always easy, this realization.
Not always truly grasped, this epiphany.
But always there…when I look for it. With my eyes wide open.
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*peanut butter M&M’s
*ooey, gooey smores
*laughing, really laughing, with my husband last night
*new email
*racing Hot Wheels cars
*a new pitcher of iced tea
*cat sitting on the windowsill
*family bonds
*people that care about me
*freshly washed bed linens
*early morning sunshine puddled on the living room floor
*driving back country roads to church
*new corn growing
*freshly tilled flower bed
*air conditioner that works
*flag flapping in the breeze
*a trip to the John Deere store, listening to the radio
Joy is a choice. It’s always a choice. Choose to live…right where you are.
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It Just Dawned On Me 
Way to capture my mind and thoughts!! You seem to be able to articulate my thoughts better than I can! 🙂 I do need to be consumed less with those stinkin “if onlys” that drift into my mind so frequently…..it’s a process and I know you know that! Thanks for this post today Dawn….I will probably come back and re-read it. 🙂 And I love that picture……
Sorry I didn’t get to see ya when we were in Ohio. We were sooooooooooooo busy!
Great post. I am grateful for the journey, the ups and downs, good and bad. All of it makes us, changes us, and leads us HOME. Praise God.
Awesome post! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Oh so much to be grateful for that I spend less and less time on the if onlys. Great post as always.
🙂