Important Things To Remember

The other day I ran across a little book titled "50 Important Things To Remember." Since I only had enough time to quickly page through it, what I had found in its pages made me smile. It went on to list 50 things the author thought we all should never forget. This got me thinking, what would be on my list? I won't bore you with 50, but how about 5? Perhaps you'll find we may share one or two "important things." Here I go:

1. Empty Cross - a few years back, at a church we were attending at the time, had a life-size wooden cross standing up near the pulpit. One Sunday for Communion, the Pastor had us come to the front, stand in front of the cross, and drink/eat the wine and bread in front of the cross. I must say that now, even years later, that really was powerful to me.

2. Little Girls Giggles - Summer has a friend named Grace who has the best low-belly-laugh-giggle you could ever hear. Just hearing those two playing and laughing makes you want to giggle too.

3. Sweet Smells - Fresh Apple Crisp, A Newborn Baby, Carmel Rolls - These are some of my favorites. Apple Crisp reminds me of Fall. Nothing like the smell of new life. (Or is it Johnson Baby Soap??) I was reminded of this again when I held my great-nephew a few months back. Once in a while when I got off the school bus as a kid, I'd open the front door and the smell of warm, fresh carmel rolls would invite me in. That was a very good day (and smell) when Mom made those for an after school snack.

4. Savor the Sweet Words - As my children get older (especially Sam) I remind myself to not take his "I Love You, Mom's" for granted. One day I am sure I will be more uncool than I already am; He won't want me to give him a quick squeeze or peck on the cheek at school, tuck him in bed, and I won't hear "I Love You, Mom" as he heads down the stairs to play on the Wii or go outside.

5. Nature - A dewey Sunrise, powerful Sunset, a hawk flying overhead. God's creation is truely a gift. I think it is important to soak it in, enjoy it, and pass on the love of it to the next generation. God's hand is everywhere if we just look around.

What do you think of my list? What is yours? Do we share any? Thanks for checking in! Now, go do something "important!!"