Unexpected gifts ---- Life is full of them!

Ya know, some days we wake up and realize that we take way too much for granted. We see people every day, nod our heads, smile, wave and continue on with our lives. But...did we really see people? Did we pay attention to their response when we smiled or waved? Probably not.

We have a young family that lives next door and they are struggling - as do many young families. The father works 2, sometimes 3 jobs, mom is handicapped from a childhood accident and there are two little ones that are a breath of fresh air - most of the time. But we all have those times when we are pre-occupied and are focused on other things that are, in our minds, more important.

But is there really anything more important than an innocent "hello" and a smile from a child? Is there?

I'm going to bet and say that the answer is no. And that's exactly why, at 8:30 this evening, when my doorbell rang and all I could think was, "Who in the world is that!?" To my surprise it was the two little ones from next door. Her in a party dress, and little brother in his Spiderman outfit.

In the little girls hands is a plate shaped like a bear's head loaded with cake and ice cream. It seems as though today was "Spiderman's" 4th birthday! And I was being honored with cake and ice cream.

Can life get any better? I'm not sure it could - at least not right now. I asked, "Did Spiderman have a birthday?" After many giggles and eye-rolls the answer - "YES! That's why we brought you cake. 'Cause you didn't get to come to the party."

Thank God for children. They remind us that there is a level of innocence and naivete that can only be seen in the eyes of a child.

I think I'll finish my cake now...

**Photos from stock.xchnhg