How many times have we all heard that it’s the small things in life which make for a great journey? When we hear this we usually think of things like sunsets, full moons, autumn colors or a child’s laughter. There are so many more of those small, joyful moments that can lighten our hearts if we just open ourselves up to them. Some of us are good at finding those moments. Some of us need some practice in lightening up and enjoying the moments more. It’s all those singular moments that make up the story, that define us, that bring us to understand that in the end, past all difficulties, all is well and life is good.

The cat, Mr. Yin, keeps walking across my keyboard. I would never have known except that I return to find my Word doc full of zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz’s or whatever key he pauses on as he searches for the perfect resting place. In the winter he has the habit of curling up on my desk, leaning against my laptop, sometimes on the corner of the keypad. I discovered that’s how I get twelve calculators opened at once.  He always does this when I am away from my desk as though he waits for my move so he can make his. He knows he is not invited and he knows if he gets all comfortable before I return odds are he can stay. Why do I do this? Who knows? Maybe because I find it funny and I like Mr. Yin.

His twin brother Mr. Yang has a different gig finding the perfect resting spot on my shelves, right between the Mahabharata and the basket of receipts waiting to be recorded. He doesn’t ask either.

Cats as I know them have their own unhidden primary agenda – taking care of their needs and comforts. I watch them and try to learn something about myself. They don’t seem to worry and they definitely know how to relax. I wouldn’t want to be so self-absorbed though. I don’t for a minute assume they think I am any greater or more useful than for giving a good petting. Still I get something from our relationship. They bring a certain amount of humor to a day. I think maybe Dr. Seuss might be referring to them when he said, “From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere.” I would miss them if they weren’t around.

We need to look around and pay attention to the small things, laugh more and lighten up. Ever since I read Cormac McCarthy’s The Road I am immensely more aware and grateful for a leaf or a weed, a piece of celery, green and alive, and people. Like my granddaughters barreling in the door after school; the silence dissolves into their singing, not to return until bedtime. Could I use more quiet to work? Of course, yet it is worth adjusting in order to participate in small joy-filled moments of life.

I was once told that if you keep care of the small things, the big things take care of themselves. There is no big life without all the small moments.

May We All Walk in Beauty