Hearts, giggles and time to enjoy

The heart caught my eye as I hurried out to the car on a cold winter day.

The afternoon sun had sent a prism of color exploding through a glass ornament dangling from my neighbor’s tree, and the effect was quite spectacular. I stopped for a second to admire it, fished my phone out of a pocket, snapped a picture and smiled as I carried on with my day, a little later than I was, but lighter too.

I wonder sometimes about the moments of beauty that pop up exactly when we need them, and about the moments we miss because we’re too busy scurrying around, wild eyed and blind.

I thought I heard someone giggling the other day as I shot hoops in my driveway, but I shrugged it off. Then I sank a basket and heard little voices yell, “Yay!”

I looked around, didn’t see anyone and chuckled at myself. But, it happened again. I sank a shot, and heard the giggling, clapping and “Yay!”

I turned around, looked up and saw two tiny neighbors up on a balcony watching me play. I waved and they laughed.

We went on like that for a good little while. Each time I sank a shot they cheered. When I missed, they yelled, “Nice try!”

When the game ended, I left my driveway basketball court with an extra bounce in my step.

I wonder sometimes about the encouraging sounds that drift our way exactly when we need them, and about the ones we miss because we’re just not listening.

We all lead busy lives and it’s a little too easy to lose ourselves in the frantic hustle. But, we’re not out here alone and we need to look up every now and then.

I hope your weekend is full of unexpected beauty and sweet laughter, and that you find the time to enjoy them both.

Happy Friday! Let’s go!