It’s about time for a “Small Things” post. My Small Things posts are sweet, simple lists of the things I am grateful for, and I write them as much for myself as for anyone reading. Stopping to note some of the good things never fails to brighten my mood.

The past few weekends, I have been rather overwhelmed with things to do, with helping my family manage their own struggles, and by a huge wave of fatigue brought on by all I’ve been carrying and the sleepless nights I have been having. I knew I needed to consciously seek rest and peace, not only for myself, but for my family. There were things I had to do, and times when I was rushing, but there were also moments of simple goodness, which I made sure to savour.

For me, many of the things that bring me joy take place outside.

I’ve been enjoying the garden. My garden’s in an in-between time, when a lot of the flowers have had their moment, the lettuces have been used or gone to seed, and things are looking a little scruffy. It would be very easy to become frustrated. Sometimes, I do, but then I miss the strange joy that comes with patience. I am learning to love the things that are long-term in my life, the things that require a long view and a sense of unhurried work and anticipation. These are often things that are works in progress; imperfect, but lovely in their own way. I am waiting for the sweet pea seeds before I put other things in their pots, and I have cut back some other plants and emptied some pots ready to be replanted. Over the summer holidays, I’ll be able to put in new blooms and refresh my herb stocks, and then in the autumn, I will rearrange again.

I’ve been able to use a lot of the flowers to make gifts for the children’s teachers and the simple work of cutting and drying the flowers, writing tags, and tying ribbons is soothing. The scents and colours make me happy.

Then there’s the way the outdoors offers space for play: kicking a ball around as a family at home; pushing the swing; watching our kids throw themselves along a slip-and-slide at a BBQ with friends; throwing the ball for the dog; bodyboarding in the sea; running through the woods and splashing in the river.

A couple of times, we have been to “Wild Church” in the woods, where we gather around a fire, cook “stick bread” and take a few moments to reflect, pray and worship. We play games with the children, talk and share soup. For me, this is deeply nourishing. It’s a way to connect with God, other people and my faith in a setting in which I feel relaxed and free, and where my children can also be themselves, run and play.

It is these kinds of moments, when I choose fresh air, family and friendship over rushing and striving, that bring me joy and peace in the midst of busy or stressful times.

What are your small things lately?