Yesterday I had an inspiration for today's post. But this morning I have had an experience that will put the other off till later in the week: I stood at my kitchen window and watched squirrels and bunnies frolic in my yard.

Seems simple, right? Almost a non-event. But therein lies the issue. We too seldom take the time for those simple joys. I had opened the window to allow the unexpected gift of cool air into the house before the summer heat and humidity take over. I lingered for just a minute, putting the final touches on my mental list of chores- to-accomplish-before-the-temperatures-rise. That minute came with a reward.

Around the corner came a squirrel, so I greeted him (hey there Squirrelly) and began to step away when another arrived. So I stayed and watched. A third squirrel joined in and they raced and ran around the tree, through the bottom tray of the chiminea and then around it, back around the tree and around the shed... the three of them covering ground swiftly.

In the midst of all this, I realized that a brown bunny had arrived on the scene by the lilies that grow along our shed. The bunny was also watching the squirrels (no doubt to make sure he wasn't run over) and both of us were surprised when two more bunnies came slowly into the area. So now I have two separate but co-located shows - like the rings of a circus - in my back yard. The bunnies took up a game of leaping and hide-n-seek, and the squirrels continued to chase (except one who sneaked off to have some of our berries for breakfast) and I remained at the window for at least fifteen minutes just watching the fun.

Which is when it occurred to me that this would be the topic of today's post: take time to enjoy those seemingly-insignificant, almost childish pleasures. One of the reasons this scene is so enjoyable here where I live is that construction has decreased the open land for bunnies and squirrels. People actually complain about the wildlife rather than enjoying the morning (and evening - the bunnies are in our yard then too) entertainment provided by these adorable little creatures.

Having grown up here (yes, right here in this house) I have seen bunnies, squirrels, deer, groundhogs, snakes and foxes either wander through or linger to munch and play ... but in the past 20 years there have been fewer and fewer places in my neighborhood (in our county!) for them to live, so we have fewer furry visitors. This morning to have three bunnies and five squirrels all at one time was such fun! In the evening we see several bunnies, and there is a small herd of deer (about six) who wander through at some point.

Yes, they have found our relocated garden because some neighbors put up a fence that forced the deer to use a different route between fields. But as exasperating as that is, it always thrills me to see that we still have our little herd.

Are you in a city? No wildlife for you to observe? How about birds that sit on windowsills and feeders? What about the flowers in window boxes and planters? What do you see in the shapes of the clouds?

Most important is that we take time for small pleasures: sitting down in the quiet morning hour before others awake - having that cup of coffee or tea while you read Scripture and meditate in the peacefulness before the day's busyness encroaches. Walking to the store or work and watching the people you pass - engaging them with a smile or nod. Observing children playing. Greeting those with whom you share the elevator.

Want to create a simple pleasure for someone else? When you see a lady with a lovely dress in the supermarket, walk up to her and say "that is a lovely dress" and then keep walking. In the elevator, compliment that man over there on his striking tie. See a man in uniform or one with a "retired veteran" hat? Walk up and just say "thank you for your service to our country" - then walk away quickly because he will be embarrassed by the tear that wells up in his eye if you see it. A police officer or firefighter? Wish them a safe shift. Make a co-worker's day by leaving a flower or a piece of candy or a doughnut or whatever on their desk - before they arrive, without telling them who left it... Send a note or card (yes, through the mail) to an elderly shut-in ... or send a cheery email to someone "just because".

Simple pleasures are everywhere, but we are often too rushed - or think we are too grown up - to appreciate them... you see, there are adults who would have looked at those bunnies and squirrels this morning and dismissed them as nuisances or not even noticed them at all.

Please take some time today - and every day - to use some "palm tree time" to enjoy life's simple pleasures ... and share some with others when possible.