Arthur Conan Doyle
But you know what? Valuing every little thing makes sense for me too. When I’m hoping, watching, longing for something big to happen, it’s easy to overlook a dozen little reasons for gratitude that are right in front of me.
Here's a "little" example: when I'm mountain hiking, I'm always hoping for what I think of as the big sightings - a flock of turkeys, a doe and fawn, or a great horned owl perched overhead...all of which I've seen at one time or another. This weekend, early in my walk I gave wide clearance to a 5 foot black snake, and I realized, after that, I was looking down at exactly where each footstep was landing much more often than usual. (It seemed wise...)
I didn't see another snake, but I came upon this red-spotted purple, trying to recharge his solar panels on a not-so-sunny day. I watched him for a long time- open, close, open, rest. Pause. (Even butterflies need to pause.) I'm glad I didn't overlook him in the search for something bigger.
When I undertake the search for reasons to be grateful, I’m increasingly aware of every.little.thing.
It has become a challenge, as if I’ve given myself a dare to keep looking until I see what is probably always right in front of me.
Mostly, I need to remind myself to notice.
Notice.
I’m becoming a detective of the unobserved because I think Doyle is right...the little things are infinitely the most important.
Thursdays are for thankfulness.
What do you see?