Turning the page on my calendar is always an exciting moment for me. It’s something so simple yet it gives me hope and the opportunity for change. My particular calendar also includes an inspirational quote each month, and February’s seemed to be extra special. “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were big things.” ~Robert Brault

As I took a moment to reflect on this quote, I realized it can apply to many aspects of my life: work, personal, and spiritual. It reminded me that the small things that come our way can truly mean the most.

I recently read a story of a busy mom at a local grocery store. She was in a hurry, as many of us always are, and wanted to be in and out of the store as quickly as possible. As she approached the checkout, she happened to get in line behind an elderly woman who was counting her money to the cashier, one penny at a time. Rather than becoming impatient, the cashier waited and helped the elderly customer count out the needed change. Irritated, the busy mother happened to look down and notice her young daughter watching, taking it in as the cashier treated the elderly women with compassion. She then realized she had not been inconvenienced at all, but rather, the cashier’s small act of kindness led to a lesson in patience that day.

I also experienced an important lesson recently. I decided to get a new phone and entered the store an hour before closing time. I quickly realized I was the fourth customer in line and that I might be waiting awhile. I’m sure associate was doing the same math, knowing he would not be leaving work on time. But without hesitation, he treated each of us as if we were the only customer there and I wondered if he had a family to get to or plans that he was putting off just to take care of all of us. This experience presented me with the life lesson of selflessness; no matter what it meant for the associate, he put our needs in front of his.

Each day, we are surrounded by moments like this one, moments where we should simply enjoy the little things in life and maybe even discover an important lesson we can share with others. I challenge you to find and appreciate these moments and pass them along; I’d venture to say your days and weeks will become brighter and more meaningful. After all, isn’t that what life is all about?

Please tell me of a time when you found joy in the little things! I’d love for you to share your special moments, and maybe even a lesson learned, in the comments below.