I am guilty.

Guilty of not appreciating the small things in life every single day.

The last few weeks I have found myself more and more appreciative.

Appreciative of holding a sobbing, unconsolable child at 2 AM for hours; appreciative of pushing that same little girl in her new swing for nearly an hour straight, just because she is having the time of her life.

Appreciative of teaching her how to chase me in the yard. Of her loving on her puppies and kittens. Of trying her hardest to help me in the garden.

Of watching her face light up when Daddy says she can go with him for a ride in the tractor.

I didn’t even think one grumpy thought when she woke up at 5 AM this morning obviously upset about something. I simply held her and gave her my love; and kept thinking she is only going to be little for a little longer.

Maybe it’s because two of the heart babies I follow on Facebook have gained their wings. I have felt like I have known them both so well in their short lives. Yet, I don’t know them at all. I just know how blessed I am.

Maybe it’s because I was severely sick last week, and my medical problems are always an on going battle this last year.

Maybe it’s because each day as Elliette gets older I find myself growing more and more patient with her. I stop and let her find her own way, and enjoy when she wants to show and bring me something.

I honestly thought it would be the opposite…I thought I would grow more impatient as she gets older. But, these days as she really understands what I am saying I find myself enjoying every, single moment with her.

I find myself appreciative of not being my truly over organized self, and instead playing dress up with my little girl.

Life should be about appreciating.

Appreciating the special moments we have, the blessings we have, the opportunities…

Life is too short to be unappreciative of what we have been given.