It’s pretty cold for Israel. Damp, too, and muddy. We’re in the middle of a patch of rain and about to get hit by a storm that will likely bring snow to parts of the desert. Just the right kind of weather to put me in a bad, bad mood.
But I’m not … yet. I’m working from home today and feeling really, really thankful for that.
And because I’m working from home, and because we still have electricity, I did two loads of laundry and made chocolate chip cookies. I’m a prepper, after all, and I wouldn’t want to be stuck with a power outtage and no cookies.
As soon as the cookies started to bake and I could smell “home” wafting through the house, I started to feel thankful again.
In the sudden sea of gratitude flowing through my life this morning, the makolet was open (when I thought it would be closed) and milk was in stock (when I was certain there would be none.) The rain stopped for five minutes as I made my way to the store, and only really fell down again just as I was getting back to my front door.
A smile broke through my face, just then; just as the sun pierced the cloudy sky; just for a moment.
Gratitude is like that: a chain reaction waiting for a spark.
Inside, I lifted a warm, crisp cookie to my lips — fresh out of the oven — I thought I was going to melt from pure happiness. It was the best cookie I’ve ever had. I am not exaggerating. I have been on a quest for the best chocolate chip cookie recipe for many years, and I have finally nailed it.
Now brace yourself for cliche.
It occurred to me that, even in the middle of a storm that was bound to put me in a bad mood, happiness could be found in simple things.
Like working from home and the best chocolate chip cookie ever.
This is my blessing for you today, whether you are in stormy Israel or somewhere sunny, but facing an inner storm: May you find joy in simple pleasures today. May you be wise enough to notice them.
