Summertime - Take Time To Smell The Roses

I AM SO GRATEFUL for the time to smell the roses.Lying in a hammock between two shade treesOr wandering through a multicolodred rose garden,Sitting quietly and communing with natureBeholding something beautiful in each person I meet.

I AM SO GRATEFUL for a walk with no destination.A choice pair of tennis shoes cushions my feet,Pretty plantings in the neighborhood catch my eye,A leisurely chat provides a welcome, short break,And a nonchalant jogger says, "Have a nice day."

I AM SO GRATEFUL for the sounds of summer.A bicyle beeps a warning from behind,A hard hit baseball implants a resounding whack,Lawn mowers drone while cutting the grass,And booming fireworks light up the night sky.

I AM SO GRATEFUL for the lazy, hazy days of summer.The click of croquet balls rebound across manicured turf,The cool tingle of a root beer float satisfies a deep thirst,Straw bonnets tug against their ribbons on a breezy day,And barbershop quartets harmonize in the good old summertime.

I AM SO GRATEFUL for a stroll through the park.Skateboards hum as they roll down the sidewalk,Live music fills the air at an outdoor concert,Shrieks erupt when a Little Leaguer hits his first home run,And hands clap in unison to the beat of the band.

I AM SO GRATEFUL for relaxing under an oak tree.A bird's sweet song murmurs in my ears,Children's laughter drifts through the air,Before dozing off for an afternoon siestaI think to myself, "It's a wonderful world."

Excerpted from "Gratitude Works: Open Your Heart to Love" by Katherine Scherer and Eileen Bodoh.

Katherine Scherer and Eileen Bodoh are authors of "Gratitude Works: Open Your Heart to Love." http://www.gratitudeworks.com