In this season of joyous celebrations and busy calendars, I have thought many times about blessings. One definition of blessing is “a beneficial thing for which one is grateful; something that brings you well-being.” Over the last while it has struck me that sometimes, maybe even often, blessings come in unexpected and surprising ways.

My blessings are too many to name but a few unexpected ones include:

• Seeing Christmas magic live even without Santa
• Warm arms around my neck as I am able to carry a sleepy Toad to bed one more time
• A once stranger who is now family and who brings many lessons and a new outlook on the world
• A life-long friend whose love and connection continues in new ways and new forms
• A body that is stiff and sore in such a great way it makes you smile each time you groan

I hope in this season you are blessed with the gift of noticing.