What Means the Most?

On my drive home from my internship today, I pondered about the things in life that mean the most to me. Do people? Places? Relationships? Things? What is it that means the most to me?

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it is the little, simple things.  Of course the big things mean so much, but big things such as accomplishments, life experiences, love, etc. come about because of the little things.

Noticing God's presence through the blowing of the wind, the smile of a stranger, the song I need to hear coming on my ipod at just the right moment, the rush of energy coming right when I need a second wind, the random acts of kindness by others, the gentle (or not so gentle) push in the right direction, the calm that rushes over me and through me when I need to relax, be still and listen. God's presence is all around, but what means the most to me is when I take the time to notice it.  It is ever present, my mind and awareness just aren't. A text from a significant other or a friend to let me know that someone is thinking of me in that moment. The warm water in the shower or tub when I need to help my muscles relax. A familiar smell reminding me of someone I am missing or of happy memories. Laying down in bed to sleep.  Acknowledging the completion of the day and thanking God for the day and all the good and bad that has happened. Waking up on the "right side of the bed" meaning having a positive mental attitude giving me the strength and the courage to take on whatever the day has in store and thanking God for another day. The way the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical mesh to make up the "whole" person.  The sun. The moon. The stars. The universe. A hug. A kiss. A deep conversation. Learning something new. A warm meal and cold drink. A reminder that I am loved.  The words of a song, a passage, a saying, or a phrase sinking in so deep that it gives my soul kinetic energy so that I am moved or potential energy so that I can be moved at just the right moment. The beginning. The end. The highs so I can have a glimpse of what life might be about.  The lows so I know how much the highs mean and so that I can fully appreciate all the good things I have in my life. Life and death because they both have so much to teach me. You. Me. Those are a few of the things that mean the most to me.