A Few of My Favorite Things
“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,
Brown paper packages tied up with strings –
These are a few of my favorite things.”
Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rogers
A couple of days ago I was driving into town from my rural home. A wondrous sight fell to me: off to one side knelt a man in a garden. He was digging and planting. And on three of his sides sat a small dog, looking with diligent focus and utter concentration down at what he was doing. They all looked alike, were possibly litter-mates. But their undivided interest and sweet curiosity was clear. I’d have stopped for pictures if I hadn’t known the view would immediately change upon my doing so by disturbing everyone’s attention. The enchanting scene would no longer exist. But it made my heart smile, it was so very delightful. It made me feel warm all over and reminded me, once again, of how much joy and beauty there is in our world. So much.
It reminded me of all the things for which I am grateful, of the blessings that are mine, of the fact that I have and do enjoy many “favorite things.” Here are just a few.
There are puppies and kittens, of course; there are dogs and cats. There are farmers. While gazing at the man planting, my mind turned to my grandfather, who farmed. I spent some considerable time on that trip thinking of my grandpa’s bent figure and his excitement over a harvest. He and my three other grandparents are among my most favorite things.
I was making the trip to meet two long-time friends for lunch in a town 90 miles away. These two befriended me when I turned up at the church they attended almost 17 years ago. They have both mentored, encouraged, and used me in various capacities in and out of the church in these intervening years. They are two of my favorite things, absolutely. But other acquaintances, too, are precious to me. I am indeed rich in friends.
I love a good book, a close and challenging game of Words With Friends. I take great pleasure in looking out over the lovely yard my husband has made and keeps for us. I like to hike and ride my new bike, now that I can do those things. And the vistas I’m often rewarded with – favorite things!
I enjoy music, and especially get a kick out of finding something new – a new artist and/or genre and/or instrument(s) unfamiliar to me. I really appreciate new information/understanding/insight. On any subject.
I relish coming across a photo I’m not expecting, one that takes me back in time and enables the enjoyment, once again, of a moment that holds special meaning for me. One such instance occurred two days ago. On a particular Facebook page I frequent, one that pertains to the town I grew up in, someone posted a picture of the teacher group at the school where I attended kindergarten and first grade. And there they were – my two earliest teachers, both of whom I loved dearly. Mrs. Curtis and Mrs. Klassen, I owe the two of you my utmost gratitude for the start you gave me, for being kind to me and patient with me, for instilling in me the love for words and books. For teaching me to read! You are two of my favorite things. My life would not have been nearly the same without you.
There are more favorites, of course: certain foods (and, I confess, food in general), a good sermon, a birthday, the sun, the sight of Rick sitting in his chair across the room from me, answered prayers, good news, a compliment.
And from whence do these joys come? From our heavenly Father, who loves us. Scripture is a “favorite thing,” and here’s a favorite verse: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17, NIV).
Ah, so much to savor, and all from One who is crazy about us.
What are a few of your favorite things?
12 Comments
Beth
Seems your favorite things are also many of my favorite things. So very much to enjoy and give praise to the Father for. Nothing is too simple to not appreciate and be grateful for. 💗
Carolyn Karlstrom
Too true, Beth. He gives us so much. I’m afraid I often take my blessings for granted, though I try not to. I sure appreciate your taking the time to read, then write a sweet note here. Bless you!!
Trudie
I’m with Beth, I enjoy most of these things, too♥️ I enjoy waking up listening to the birds, and being grateful to Him in all things; I Enjoy listening to the children at the Daycare across the road as they burst out of the doors at 10 AM running and screaming with joy, sitting outside reading a good book, watching the sun rise and set,; for family and friends …Gosh, I could go on and on! Thank you for sharing some of your favorite things♥️🌹♥️
ckarlstrom
We’ve got a lot in common, it seems. Of course, we come from the same stock! Thanks so much for your sweet and thoughtful response.
Jennifer Haskell
A few of my favorite things, seeing someone come to Jesus and experiencing the change of ownership in their hearts; horseback riding; traveling to new cultures; mission trips; nature; mountains; log cabins; campfires; canoeing; time with friends; singing with people; sunsets; connecting with new people; my husband and his yummy cooking; sunrise over the barn each morning; hospitality in the worldwide church; and friends that pray for me and hold me accountable through thick and thin.
ckarlstrom
Oh, Jennifer – what lovely favorite things! Thanks so much for sharing them!!
Jeanette Stark
That was lovely! You certainly have a way of painting a vivid picture!! Thank you!
ckarlstrom
Thank you so much, Jeanette – I appreciate your taking the time to read this and for the sweet and encouraging note. Blessings upon you!
Susie
Beautifully written. And as with cousins Beth and Trudy many of my favorite things as well. Family rates run deep and fun to discover. And that’s one of my favorite things!
ckarlstrom
Yes! It’s been fun, hasn’t it, getting acquainted with these two ladies?! Thx very much for your comments!!
Nancy Hoppe
Hearing rain on the roof
Watching snow fall
Hearing the summer insects humming and buzzing around me
Feeling warm sunshine after a cold spell
Hearing neighbor children laughing and playing
Seeing the love in the eyes of my dog and cats
Hearing my husband laugh
Getting a call from any of my children
Getting real mail
Finding a really good book
ckarlstrom
Oh, my, Nancy – what a wonderful list! I love most of these things too (not crazy about snow, however . . .) and am tickled to know these things about you. Thank you for sharing!!