A Facebook friend posted a status update the other day wishing everyone a day full of ordinary miracles. She went on to list several examples: your keys and phone right where you left them…all green lights…a favorite song on the radio…a Rock Star parking spot…a phone call from an old friend…the fastest line at the grocery store…an unexpected hug from your kid…an impromptu midweek date night…

I LOVE THIS CONCEPT!

In light of the Bears victory (ordinary? miracle?!) I want to share my wishes– not just for ordinary miracles, but for the patience and understanding to identify them.

It’s Monday.
Bitch, moan, sigh, right? No! It’s Monday!
New week, fresh start, opportunities abound.
May your morning begin with sunshine and hot coffee. With your phone and keys right where you left them, may your commute be just long enough to hear your favorite song. Let your in-car jamming be inspirational to other Monday morning drivers. Be what brings a smile to someone else’s face.

Not convinced? Damning the morning traffic, eternal construction, and radio commercials? Rethink your strategy… You didn’t burn your toast, you weren’t out of creamer, the dogs didn’t bark and the paper wasn’t tossed into an inconvenient place of retrieval.

See? Ordinary miracles.

In this time of rampant negativity, it’s important to keep yourself grounded. Don’t allow yourself to get carried away in the swell of pessimism. The easiest (and most satisfying) way is to learn to appreciate the little things. Stimulate your senses. The undeniable scent of autumn, the adoration in the eyes of your pet, the sloppy hug of a child.

We all know not to sweat the small stuff (and it’s all small stuff) but how often do we recognize the awesome in the mundane? To the lovers of Pumpkin Spice, this time of year is a national holiday– enjoy! There are currently thirty-thousand kinds of apples picked fresh and dunked in caramel and available for your snacking pleasure. Every green leaf that becomes just a bit more this season is an ordinary miracle. Every… single… one.
Reds, oranges, yellows, browns– mini-miracles of nature. Pay attention!

And if that’s not enough to bring you pleasure, watch this video.
I dare you not to smile at this boy’s attempt to stop the sadness.
Bringing happiness one small toy at a time.
Extra-ordinary miracle, indeed.

(Thank you, Tammy, for the inspiration for this blog. Your post was, in itself, an ordinary miracle!)