Little Surprises

It's like this: on the whole, life can look kind of dull, matte, boring, and so plain. But when we zoom in, it expands, and surprises us. Here are some of the (small) surprises taking my attention right now:

I unexpectedly got an A in my violin exam. Yes, I feel like I can say this without bragging because truly, it was a surprise. Praise God, because He did it, not me! (Seriously though, I completely messed some sections up.)

I got new shoes, and although they are unlike anything I've ever had before, and I wondered how they could be 'me', I really like them. Plus, they are now the most comfortable shoes I own.

We've had some really nice meals this week. I'm sorry, but food rates pretty high in my existence. So crunchy chips made from home-grown potatoes, spicy dahl with lots of onion and garlic, and pizza really make life better, not to mention the baked apples with custard we've also had recently.

Somehow my time has multiplied not having to practice (violin) so much each day, and it's amazing to actually get things done in the day, and still have time to do other (un)important things like internet browsing, knitting, and reading.

Having something to look forward to: the Eastward Music Camp, which starts next week! Two weeks of music and time with friends sounds like a good idea to me.

I received a postcard through Postcrossing! (I talked about it here before.) I mean, if getting a postcard in the mail from someone all the way over in Germany doesn't sound exciting then... we're different; that's all. And, the photo on the front of the card is pretty close to perfect – the subject (books!), the colours, the mood.

Thinking and dreaming. I just like it; the possibilities are endless. I've been dreaming up ideas for a story, ideas for clothes to make, ideas for room decoration, ideas for travel, and ideas to add to my bucket list.

A Young Woman After God's Own Heart. It's the last book I read, and to be perfectly honest I didn't think I would get much out of it. But I found it for 20c at an op shop, so what was there to lose? Actually, there was a lot to gain. I really enjoyed working through this book, writing down my thoughts and answers to the questions it asked, and studying my Bible through the verses it recommended. It's challenged me in a lot of areas.

The joys of taking photos. I had hardly taken any for weeks, and now I've just taken a few hundred in a few days. I didn't know I missed it until I started again.

Making lists and ticking them off. I'm a procrastinator times three, and yet this works. There's just something about the physical ticking things off that is motivational.

Wearing my hair out for three days. That's a big thing because I like wearing my hair out, but it gets annoying and distracting. It's long, and it gets in my face, falls in the food I'm trying to cook, and my procrastinating self generally gets distracted with running my fingers through it and twisting it up. Anyway, even though it's been a total mess, I've left it out for three days, and that makes me feel special.

A jumper I stole borrowed from my big little brother. It's comfortable and cozy.

The internet. I know I do spend too much time on the internet, but sometimes it's just good. I like finding new blogs, interesting or deep posts, and nice photos. It's inspiration and community.

What little things are making your life better?

“This is where God is. In the present. I am – His very name.” Ann Voskamp