Overlooked moments

One of my friends made a video titled "those simple moments." It was his way of showing the beauty that exists in the simple, ordinary moments of life. I love that reminder and that challenge...to seek for the special in the mundane, because it's always there if you look carefully enough.


overlooked // those simple moments from Chris & Oliver Cinema on Vimeo.


So along that vein, I wanted to think about some of the overlooked moments of this past year for me.

Moments like....

When a smile changed from the polite one exchanged among acquaintances and strangers, to one exchanged among friends. That smile often looks the same, but it comes down to the eyes. A smile among friends extends all the way up to the eyes. There is a sparkle, a warmth, an authenticity that sets it apart. I feel so privileged to have witnessed that smile in many of the relationships I've forged this year.

When that smile doesn't change from old friends. Moving took away the convenience of seeing many of my old friends on a daily basis. But it's pretty amazing when time and distance doesn't negate the strength of a friendship.

When a finger is where it should be. When our kids were born, we would joke that all was good because we counted all ten fingers and toes. Never has that been more true for me than this year. After having my youngest lose a part of her finger, and then have it reattached back on, I often just stare at her hand and marvel at how thankful I am for her finger.

When a soccer goal was made. My oldest has been playing soccer since he was five. Every year, we've watched him work hard, be a good team player, and have a good attitude. And every year, we've watched him not score a goal. He's assisted in plenty of goals, but never had the chance to put one in himself. We always tell him that there are flashy people, and solid people. And while flash gets a lot of attention, it's the solid that has longevity. After four years and countless times of being solid, it was a beautiful moment to see him get a bit of flash this year.

When notes become music. This year, our oldest two boys have started the transition from just playing notes or tapping drum beats to truly making music. Music that not only sounds "correct," but also comes from the soul. My goal of being the next jonas bros, hanson, or partridge family (depending on what generation you are) is halfway there.

When laughter rings out in the house. For all the yelling, whining, and crying that happens in our household (and that's just me), I love that laughter is still the predominant sound of our family.

So take a moment and look for those special moments hidden in the ordinary routine of life. What are some of yours from the past year?