It's the Little Things

"We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to be happy is something to be enthusiastic about"

~ Charles Kingsley

This quote comes to mind because so many of us wish we had the money, the riches and all that fancy and so-called "fine" things.  I too am guilty of these wishes.  But taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, I realized that those things are nice, but not necessary.  All we really need are the little things, the things that we can be enthusiastic about, to be happy.

Tonight my beautiful daughter and I had a nice evening at home.  It was kinda like one of those master card commercials.....

Redbox movie rental.....  $1

Movie style candy..... $3

Popcorn.... $2

Making it seem special by creating a new and unique environment for movie night.... PRICELESS!

So there we were, after having dinner and cleaning up the toys and things in the living room, laying out blankets and pillows on the floor in front of the T.V. together.  We placed two water bottles, our candy bags, and a freshly popped bag of popcorn next to her Disney Princess sleeping bag and Lady Bug Pillow Pet atop the blankets.

She sat down, grabbed a handful of her Swedish fish, smiled and said, "Take my picture."

I turned the lights out, started the movie, sat down next to my munchkin to hear the four greatest words I have ever heard, "Daddy, I love you."

Little did she know that those four amazing words made my night.  I kissed her on the forehead, smiled and replied, "I love you too sweet peas."

It was right then that I determined my topic for tonight.  

It truly is the little things that matter the most.  

For her, the "movie night" was unique and special.  We didn't have to go spend 30-50 dollars at a fancy theater to be surrounded by other people in uncomfortable up right seats to have a great night.  For the all mighty cost of 6 dollars (after tax ha ha), and with 10 minutes of prep time, we got to lay side by side, eating snacks, talking if we so chose, and watching our movie.

For me, seeing the smile on her face, and hearing her lovely little voice say those four unforgettable words, was the highlight of the evening.  I didn't need to go beyond my means, nor waste funds on unnecessary pleasures, I made my daughter feel special, and she did the same for me.

It is amazing to me the power of the little things.  And it really doesn't take much to provide them.  A little thought, a little time, and a little love can make all the difference.  

The movie itself was okay, nothing to write home about.  But the time, the smiles, the enthusiasm and the other "Little things" could make the worst of movies feel like 10 time Oscar winners!  

For anyone reading, I hope you enjoyed this post, and do me a favor....

DON'T FORGET THE LITTLE THINGS!  They really mean so much.

Goodnight, and I hope you sleep as well as she is,

Chris