(Note: Not everything on this list will resonate with every person… but please feel free to add or make up your own list!)

The smell in early morning after a summer rain has passed through during the night.

The way the air feels in autumn on a perfect afternoon.

The way you feel when the absolutely right song for the way you’re feeling right at that moment comes on the radio.

The smell of your grandmother’s kitchen when she’s cooking your favorite meal… or cookies.

The feeling of your father’s hand around your shoulder when he knows you need a little lifting up.

The look on a friend’s face when you first see each other after a long time apart.

The sound of singing in an old country church when you get there just a little bit late and are walking up to the front door.

The way a nice breeze feels when you’re cutting tobacco in August.

The way a toddler hugs you.

The way a green pasture looks in morning fog.

The way a brilliant sunset reflects on the waters when you’re out on the lake.

The sound of horses running and the way their manes and tails flow in the wind.

The color of a full moon when it first rises in June.

How it felt when all your sins were washed away.

The sound of a light wind rustling in the leaves of a big cottonwood tree.

The patterns of shadows on the sidewalk when the sun shines through an old wrought iron fence.

The smell of your favorite uncle’s pipe when he’s smoking on the porch.

The sounds of an old porch swing when someone is slowly rocking back and forth.

The sound of friends laughing.

The way a fishing rod bends when you’ve hooked a good one.

The smell of alfalfa curing in a barn loft.

How it feels when you’re singing all by yourself and yet you just know that God hears every note.

The way it feels when you run your hand along a horse’s back or rub its neck.

The sound of a good guitar (or most any musical instrument) being played by someone with a gift for playing.

The silence of a congregation in a moment of peaceful reverence.

Riding a motorcycle on the first warm day of the year.

How warm the water feels when you swim at night in a southern summer lake.

The sound of quail in the afternoon or whippoorwill at night. Or bullfrogs in a pond a quarter mile away.

The way willow branches shift and sway in the wind.

The way you feel after hearing or reading a beautiful prayer.

The sound of your lover’s footsteps on the stairs.

The way a dog lays its head on your leg when you’re sad.

Lying down on clean sheets in a really comfortable bed when you’ve had really tiring day.

The smell of fresh bread cooking in the oven.

The way you feel when you’re surrounded by people you love… and you know love you.

How good it feels to spend several minutes thinking about things that make you feel good.

Gratitude.