Stop and smell the roses

by Wendy Staudt

I remember back to days long ago when I was a child. Things were so much easier. I didn't have to worry about paying bills, driving in rush hour traffic, or finding a job. I didn't even know what the word stress meant. My days were filled with school, homework, summmer vacations, playing with friends, riding my bike and watching cartoons. Life was good!

Now as an adult my life is busy with being a wife and mother, paying bills, going grocery shopping, cooking dinner, driving in rush hour traffic and keeping my job. Now I know what the word stress means.

Our lives can become overwhelmed with being there for our spouse and children anytime they have a sniffle or cough, rushing to work, making appointments, going to meetings, paying bills, driving the kids to their soccer game and finding time to spend quality time with the family. It's time to take a moment to "Stop and smell the Roses."

Roses are beautiful flowers. These flowers bring a smile to your face and a sweet aroma to you nose.

Flowers are gifts from God. They are not only things you place in a vase on your table. Flowers can be all the wonderful gifts that God brings into your life to make you stop for a moment and smile.

- Your spouse saying, "I love you!"
- Your child taking their first steps.
- A hug from a friend.
- Helping a stranger without needing anything in return.
- Waking up early to see the sunrise.
- Seeing a rainbow.

What flowers are in your life? Each one is a precious gift from God to share with you for only a moment.

Enjoy life!

Take a moment to "Stop and smell the Roses!"