Winter finally arrived!

The boys slept the entire additional two hours of the snow delay this morning, and our dog, Finn, had more fun playing while I shoveled than a dog should have in one hour. Watching Finn dart in and out of the snowdrifts made shoveling more fun, and was a lovely start to a cold wintery day.

Thinking about Finn made me think about the seemingly insignificant things that can bring us joy. A baby’s laugh. A friend’s well-timed hug. A stranger’s kindness.

That got me thinking about all of the small gestures we do for one another that can lighten our spirits.

A few weeks ago, for example, I ran into Costco for milk.  I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to grab one other thing. As I waited in line, the woman in front of me took one glance at my pathetically small purchase and let me go ahead of her overflowing cart.  She probably waited an extra 3 minutes for that kindness. On top of winning the Costco Miracle Prize for leaving with no unplanned items, I also left with a smile.

What about you? Are there small gestures that make you smile? Do you think we’re more likely to show a kind gesture when we’ve recently been the recipient?