A Year of Gratitude – September 26, 2024

Penny Lane knows how to make the most of a rainy evening. She has been napping all day, moving from one couch to another, opening an eye every so often to make sure that everything is as she expects it to be. Tonight, she settled in for a long nap with her favorite blankets and pillows in the family room.

She’s not far from me while I work on my computer. The room is quiet other than the sound of my fingers striking the keyboard and her snoring softly. It won’t be long before the weather will turn cold and the pellet stove will be churning away in this room, warming us up and adding its bit of firelight to the room, making it cozy.

But tonight, it is quiet. It’s the perfect night for napping and Penny certainly knows that. She’s been a champion napper for years, but even more so now.

There’s something so calming about watching an animal so peacefully at slumber. They seem not to have a care in the world, to be completely at peace. Watching her makes me feel more at peace myself. She’s definitely a good role model in the relaxation department.

Penny’s ability to relax reminded me that I could stop working and just snuggle up on the couch next to her. The work will still be here waiting for me in the morning, but if I let this moment pass without joining her, I will be sorry to have missed out on this moment.

So, I didn’t. I set down my phone, grabbed a blanket, and got cozy with her. I closed my eyes and just enjoyed being in this quiet space with her, just being in this peaceful moment and soaking it up. It was the right decision and I’m so glad that I made it.

This post is part of our A Year of Gratitude Series. You can find the introduction, inspiration, and entire year’s gratitude’s posts here.