“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
Spring in Texas can be hard to detect. The temperature is no help. Eighty-degree days in February are common. We always seem to have plenty of sunshine, so that’s not how we know it’s spring.
The way that I know spring is finally here is by the distinctive scent of grape Kool-Aid. If you’re not familiar with the Texas Mountain Laurel, it must seem pretty odd that an artificial scent like Grape Kool-Aid actually exists in nature—but it really does.
Spring caught me by surprise last week. I was hurrying through a busy parking lot when all of the sudden I sensed something was different. I stopped. I smelled something—but wasn’t quite sure what I smelled. Then I saw it—the distinctive purple cascade of flowers that signify spring in Texas.
As I stood scooping the Mountain Laurel blossoms close to my nose in a busy parking lot, I felt so grateful for their unique scent. And as I noticed my gratitude, I felt my heart open and I became aware of even more gratitude. I felt appreciation for the cycle of seasons and the knowledge that spring would return every year even if I didn’t notice it. I felt the joy of living in this amazing place. I felt like Piglet. My Very Small Heart was overcome with gratitude.
- What did you smell this week that spurred gratitude in you?
- What sound have you heard this week that takes your breath away?
- What sight have you seen this week that leaves you grasping for words?
- What taste brought a memory to mind totally unbidden?
- What have you touched this week that leaves you yearning for more?