This morning I was sweeping the mound of leaves from my walkway, observing how much the foliage had overgrown and how the yard was inundated with leaves and debris and how much work it was going to take to get it back in order and how I didn’t know when we were going to have the time to do any of that. I was beyond annoyed with the task and in my mind having a discussion with my husband about why we didn’t need to have so many plants in the yard, and on and on and on. I was sweeping almost violently, huffing, puffing, and totally annoyed. Then in the corner of my eye, I saw a hint of red velvet swaying gently in the wind. I turned around and observed these two beautiful roses growing tall and sitting regally amongst the overgrown bush and bramble that had become our front garden. Their Majesty stopped me in my tracks and their beauty brought a smile to my face. Immediately I was reminded that despite the mess that I was standing in the middle of, the clusters of “need to be completed” tasks that lingered on my homework calendar and work inbox, and the never-ending barrage of random crap to do, it is important that I take the time to acknowledge all of the beautiful things in my life. It is important that I seek out beauty and when possible submerge myself in it. I must find a few minutes a day to engulf myself within beautiful things-flowers, music, laughter, joy, sweet aromas, and light. The creator drops little gifts of beauty in the most unexpected places, at the most unpredictable times, and from this moment on I will be sure to stop and smell the roses and give thanks for the beautiful things in my life.