What we miss

As many of you know I have a crazy, goofy, random, side but I still forget how to have fun some times. Today I was out raking leaves in the front yard, and having a debate with myself about whether or not I should jump in the leaf pile when I was done. I live in a down town area so I was a little self conscious about jumping in a leaf pile by myself on the roadside. What would people think? After looking around and making sure no one was watching I took a huge jump, right into the middle of all the leaves.I was almost completely buried! It was hilarious and I came out laughing, only to see an older man watching me with questions in his eyes as he walked by. I started brushing the leaves off myself & mumbled some comment about how you have to have fun while you work. He said he had never seen anyone so happy before to rake leaves. As I picked all the leaves out of my hair and walked back into the house I realized how sad we both were. I had to debate whether or not to have innocent fun because it was so child like and the old man didn't understand. Then I realized who was better off- I was. I was the one with the smile on my face and a spring in my step, and the man still had a frown. Now I wonder, how many of the simple joys of life do we miss because of what we think people will think of us? Let me encourage you to let your hair down & go find a leaf pile to jump in! The colors, the smells, the beauty, God created all things for us to enjoy - so to use the clique "stop & smell the roses today"!