Simple Pleasures

Yesterday I ran into an old friend at Target; a lady I used to work with when I was in college. She is beautiful and real and hilarious. We chatted for about 20 min. I had lost touch with her and when we met again it was like no time had passed except for now I have two kids and she has a 14 year old! Double take, say what?! Anyway, it got me thinking about simpler times, simpler conversations, and simpler joys. After some pondering; I think I may have lost touch with more than just a girlfriend: I have lost touch with a certain "lightness" my spirit used to have. Granted, I have more responsibility now and life weighs heavier in certain ways (the economy anyone?), but I do not think that has to mean we let go the simple things that make us smile.
On that topic Ty and I had a funny conversation about childhood last night that has me determined to search out a lighter attitude, find the humor, and pursue projects and relationships I'm passionate about. I feel the need to let all the other negative ish fall to the wayside. Speaking of: on a lighter note, per our conversation I found out that my brother-in-law Casey used to carry around a stop watch at all times in elementary school because he never knew when he would have to "time" something. I laughed fairly hard about this because if you know him, he is the perfect coach. I knew this one, but Ty used to research birds so if he spotted one he could tell whoever was in earshot exactly what species it was. This is also perfect because he pursues knowledge, researches everything, and likes to see the entire layout of something, anything first before diving in. My sister loves to bake; my guess is she likes the process of it and it's a way to show her love.
What does this tell us? There are hints, clues, holy spirit nudgings which let us know how God has uniquely created us. I plan to follow these clues...to pursue who I am and how I was made.
Buckle up. Game on. Come with me...