Simple Pleasures

In the big pie of life, simple pleasures are probably the best slices.  They don't cost a lot of money or require hours of preparation.  Simple pleasures don't usually fill us with copious amounts of exuberance like when our favorite team wins the big championship game.  Or bring us jubilation like the birth of a child, or excitement like a wedding or other joyous celebrations.  But they inspire quiet moments of happiness in our every day lives.  For me it's the good feeling I get when I go to bed on a Friday night and realize when I wake up in the morning it will not be by that nagging alarm clock.  It's the sense of accomplishment I gain when a finished craft project turns out how I envisioned.  It's the delight of finding that incredible sale on just the item I was looking to buy.  It's the wonder I sense sitting outside on a summer night watching fireflies or gazing up at the moon and twinkling stars.  It's the tenderness I feel brushing my granddaughter's hair, or letting her put makeup on my face or polish on my nails.  Simple pleasures can also come from difficult or awkward situations.  Like the comfort I feel with a hug from someone who cares when I am troubled.  Or the reassurance from saying no when I really can't or don't want to do what is asked of me and the world does not come to an end.  It's also the relief I receive when I am forgiven and the release I experience when I forgive.  Every day comes with it's own unique assortment of simple pleasures.  Enjoy a slice or two.