Simply

“But we ought always to give thanks to God for you.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13

It hits you, stopping you in mid thought as you allow the smile to come across your face. The moment takes you by surprise as you realize just how thankful you are. The feeling usually hits you the most random of times: Driving in the car, coming back from a girl’s weekend. Sitting on the couch watching old reruns of “Friends.”. Or simply at the table on a Sunday afternoon, eating lunch, surrounded by laughter, inappropriate humor and the knowledge that this is how it’s supposed to be. We take those moments for granted. those moments when we realize how blessed we are to have people surrounding us that genuinely make our lives sweet.

I am a big advocate of the simple things. The single post-it note on the mirror in the morning reminding someone the day is new. The simple coffee cup on the front porch mixed with conversation that colored our day. Or simply a note letting them know that they are being thought of. It’s the simple things that cultivate these precious relationships. They bring encouragement, enlightenment and acknowledgement of the gratitude for the people around us.

Encouragement is powerful. A pat on the back can change someone’s perspective. A simple “thank you” can make someone stand a little bit taller. To simply allow someone to know just how much they mean to you—that changes everything. You don't need to spend your life savings or days planning an extravagant flash mob that goes viral. All you need is to be aware.

It’s simple really. It’s not complicated or intricate. It’s being transparent, taking your outlook off of you. Recognizing that you have a fantastic life not because of material gain, but due to the precious souls that make you belly laugh.