Four year old + sunshine + first Popsicle of the season out on the porch = JOY.

He doesn’t care about budgets or book releases, the fact that we have to go to the store again … he isn’t jaded or cynical or riddled with anxiety. Tomorrow isn’t even on his radar. Instead he takes great delight in the little things. Helping, telling jokes (that lack a definitive punch line but make you laugh anyway), verbalizing his favorite memories from recent outings.

Of course he has his moments when the tears fall freely and his world is rocked by some trivial transgression. But for the most part, he is a happy child and wants others to share in that. This week I’ve had a quote from Beth Moore playing on an endless loop in my head: “Perfection is a dream killer and a joy stealer”. It’s from her Esther study and I’m obviously taking it out of context, but it’s so true, isn’t it?

When did we learn to become so caught up in making everything just so? Why do I get so caught up in expectations and silly details that I’m wrung out, robbed of my joy?

I don’t know about you, but I could certainly take a page from this guy’s playbook and get back to finding joy in the little things.

I’m linking up with Lisa Jo Baker and the fabulous flash mob writing community known as Five Minute Friday. We write, unscripted and unedited (mostly) for five minutes, then link up and share. The only requirement is that you spread the love by leaving an encouraging comment on the post linked up before yours. So come on over and join the fun. Click here for all the details.