10 Things That Make Me Happy

I was given this assignment from my friend Dawn at It Just Dawned on Me.  This was not as easy as I thought it was gonna be.  So, without further ado, here we go...ahem...10 things That Make Me Happy by Mary... 

1.  That "in the zone" feeling that comes from obedience to a nudge from God.  It's funny how God uses our weaknesses to show his strength.  I think he gets a kick out of this, and if we are not obedient when he asks us to step out on faith and do what he needs us to do, we miss out on pleasing the Father.  Ouch!

2.  When Keith (the hubs), Landry (the son) and I are together, talking and laughing together.  Landry is 15, and I've enjoyed every stage of his life, but this time is especially fun.  It's also especially hard sometimes, so maybe that's what makes the happy times together so sweet.  We love to laugh and do so often!  We get the sillies and the giggles and there's no one else who can make me laugh like these 2 do!

3.  Listening to Keith play the piano.  He is so gifted and can play anything you put in front of him.  He plays effortlessly and takes the listener on a journey as he interprets the music.

4.  Living in an urban area.  I am a city girl!  I love the traffic, the crowds, the sounds and smells of a city.  I love the busy malls at Christmas, the crush of people at a concert or sporting event.  I love having choices and seeing change and being part of the energy.  I love that people look different in the north or the south, or the east and the west.  I love walking through a crowd and catching the sounds 3 or 4 different languages in my ears.

5.  Arranging flowers makes me happy.  My Mom was a florist, and I often went to her flower shop after school and even sometimes on Saturdays and watched her.  I remember walking around the show room and looking at the arrangements, seeing the rolls and rolls of ribbon hanging over everyone's stations on dowel rods, and the smell....there is nothing like the smell of a flower shop.  I guess some of that rubbed off on me.  I love creating arrangements now.  I'm a big copycat and have a favorite florist, Junior, in Dallas whose work I'm especially fond of.  I go by the shop every once in awhile and walk around the show room and breathe in the smells of the flower shop as deeply as my lungs will allow.  Sometimes, I'm really lucky and I will get to go into the cold room, where all the beautiful flowers are kept in buckets until they are chosen for an arrangement.  Junior keeps a stock of unusual colors, textures and extraordinary choices for his designers.  So, I'll go home newly inspired and make something of my own.

6.  Traveling.  Maybe this is a given for everyone.  I mean, who doesn't love going on an adventure, staying in a great hotel, trying new foods and seeing new things?  I love traveling with my husband.  He's really easygoing and just wants everyone to have a good time.  I also love it because you can be assured traveling with him will include shopping!  He loves to shop!  Am I a lucky girl or what?

7.  Spending time with my family.  I have a huge family, and there is an unexplainable refreshment I receive by spending time with them.  They have seen me at my worst and wish for me the best.  We share a unique history; a connection to the past answering the riddles of who I am; a bridge to the future assuring me that I do not have to walk alone.

8.  Lunch time at work.  I have 2 jobs which I love.  How blessed am I!  My secular job is at a company with mostly women.  It's a fun, relaxed atmosphere, and I've enjoyed many hours of lunch time laughter with the group of ladies at Lady Primrose.   I've been the recipient of great parenting advice, menu suggestions, and have learned much from this group of strong women.  They listen to everyone equally, accept everyone unconditionally and give of themselves selflessly.

9.  Keith, my husband.  We've been married 20 years and actually still like each other!  He's such a great encourager to me and believes I can do anything.  He's a great provider and an unbelievable father to our son. 

10.  Landry, my son.  I'm so proud of the man that Landry is becoming.  He's a great mix of both Keith and myself.  He is solid in his relationship with Christ, and is able to stand up for what is right.  He doesn't seem to care what others think about what he's doing.  I love that in him.  I remember at 15 being a puddle of insecurity and worried about what others thought of me.  Landry doesn't have that issue!  Thank the Lord!

Ok, so there you go.  You know, that's a good way to start the year...gave me a chance to dig inside and think about important things, silly things and funny times with people who are important to me.  I hope you'll do this too!