Appreciating the Little Things

      Driving home last night I watched the sun set behind the trees. The sky was getting dark quickly. There was a softly lit silver hue under the darkness then multi-layers of pink, red and orange. The sun was fiery burnt orange, brightly lit behind the trees. Blazing like a forest fire. I almost couldn't take my eyes off of it. It was so amazing, truly a beautiful gift from God. 

     I remember my husband and I once talked about how God didn't have to give us colors. Color is nice and all, but not really necessary to life. We could survive in black and white and be just fine. You know, we don't have to have an appreciation for such things either...and yet they captivate us. 

     It makes me think about how I stop and marvel at the big things, but sometimes overlook the little things. It is easy to stop and say to God, "Wow! What a gorgeous sunset."

     But how often do I say to my husband, "Wow! You have gorgeous eyes", "Cute Butt!" or "I love your smile"?

     They are little things I think all the time. I take them for granted. But what if some day they weren't there anymore? 

     In my effort to bring joy to the ones I love I am making an effort to let my husband know I appreciate him. I know I have taken him for granted in the past. It is easy to take our spouses for granted. It is my plan to be purposeful in my marriage. I have been sending him emails from time to time when I am thinking about a particular attribute. I let him know I love the way his corny sense of humor cheers me up or how his smile makes me want to smile too. I am making a conscious effort to send a text message and let him know when I am randomly thinking about him. I have even left him notes on the bathroom mirror just for fun.
     If I keep my appreciation for these things to myself - Yes, I am enjoying them, but he doesn't know that. Eventually he might/could come to the conclusion they aren't important to me or I don't care. I want him to know I enjoy looking at his cute butt as he walks out of the room. I need him to know how safe I feel wrapped up in his arms. He wants to hear the ways I still need him. He needs to know I appreciate how hard he works to pay the bills and provide for the needs of our family. 
     Appreciating the little things about my husband brings me joy. Sharing my appreciation of those things brings him joy. When we have a mutual, shared joy we grow closer and our marriage is made stronger.