Simple Things, Redux

Christina at Soul Aperture is doing a beautiful thing. She is asking other bloggers to join her today in writing about the joy of simple things. For each blog that joins, Christina will donate money to Doctors Without Borders to help their relief efforts in Haiti.

I joined Christina the last time she extended this invitation. It was a joyful thing to think and write about the simple gifts in life that I love. I still visit that list when I need a smile.

But today when I try to write about my simple pleasures, I find that my mind is heavy with the news from Haiti. I think of the simple things that people in Haiti are doing without: Water, food, the hand of their loved one, shelter.

So today, my list of simple blessings is decidedly simple:

The smile of a child

This image appeared in last week’s New York Times. To me, it captures a spirit of hope and possibility. When a little boy who is waiting in line for simple things like water and food can find a reason to smile, I become hopeful that there is a future for Haiti. He is the future.

We can be part of it, too. Another simple pleasure is to help those in need. Thank you to Christina for donating to Doctors Without Borders.. I am supporting Episcopal Relief and Development, but there are many organizations doing great work in Haiti. Find one and put your support behind it.