Watching our children in their early years get so excited about recognizing a new color or shape, or finding a tiny bug or a colorful leaf, was always a pleasurable experience for me. The sights and sounds of their glee and absolute delight and squeals of utter joy and amazement, as they discovered something new about their world, are forever etched in my memory.

Of course, with our young grandchildren now, we are getting to experience this all over again. I am sure that is why I'm reminded of these special simplicities again today, and the power of finding joy in the little things. So often we go through life, hoping and waiting for the big and mighty things to happen, but we end up missing so much, because we overlook the potential of the little things to bring us joy.

While working in my back yard the other day, I heard the rat-tat-tat of a woodpecker. I looked up and realized there were many woodpeckers just having a hay day up in the branches above my head. What a joy just to pause and watch and listen to the glorious sounds of nature.

I really do not want to miss out and that is why I am always seeking out and taking the time to experience special times while enjoying the little things of life. It has become my personal mind-set and mission to take more time to look, to listen, to taste, to touch, to feel, to experience like never before. The benefits are many, including more memories, a better attitude, and of course new material for my articles.

May I encourage you to do what I do, so you won't miss out either? Don't let the special opportunities pass you by. Pause often, and take time to notice the little things. Listen, touch and experience more of each and every moment, and you, too, will find plenty of joy in the little things.