Small Blooms

On a January trip to the San Francisco Bay area earlier this year, I went for a hike on a trail north of San Mateo. All along the trails was a very nice succulent plant that covered the embankments. I took a cutting knowing that if I planted it at home it would grow. I was incredibly happy two months later when it bloomed. The bloom really surprised me. I have raised cacti and succulents before that have bloomed, but having grown up and always lived in areas where these plants don't exist in nature, it has been rare to see.

I posted a picture of the bloom on facebook and a friend of mine who grew up in the San Francisco area commented that she can remember seeing this plant everywhere growing up but never really appreciated it. The picture reminded her of how truly beautiful it was.

It made me think, if the bloom of a succuclent from Northern California that I replanted can make me happy, what other small things have I not been appreciating that could actually put me in a mood or state that is positive and grateful? It is very easy to let small things remind us of joy, beauty or truth if we will allow them to. What small thing will make you happy today?