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It is a beautiful, sunny, September afternoon and I have the pleasure of holding my three-year-old daughter in my lap. The sun is smiling on us through the 100 year old trees that I gaze upon through the family room window. I look at all the trees, hear the birds chirping, and hold my daughter as she drifts off into a blissful afternoon nap. This is the best thing in life.

I am in my early 40s and have pursued the degrees and career, yet, the halls of corporate America don't hold as much purpose to me. I turn on the television news and in the midst of a sinking economy, homes that won't sell, a mortgage crisis, and never-ending war, I can still smile at the simple act of smelling the sweet, clammy, smell of my baby girl. I am not stressed out from trying to be wife, mother, and corporate warrior. I have a simpler life and feel blessed to sit and wonder at the universe as I fold laundry, make dinner, or read a book with my children. These are the moments of my dash.

The U.S. can sometimes miss out on the best things in life because we are such a consumer-society. We are too often off to the next hot gadget, Hollywood scandal, or designer wardrobe that we miss the simple beauty of being alive. The big house, big car, big salary, and big toys will not be my legacy. The things I want to be remembered for are the things I celebrate right now.

I take pleasure in the aroma of a good and frothy vanilla latte. I sip the soothing cup every morning and realize that moment is the best in life. My latte is swirling in a handmade, pottery mug and that is the best thing in life, a celebration of creativity. I watch the neighborhood come alive at 3:00pm when the children walk home from school. I greet my son when he comes in the door and my five-year-old daughter when she emerges from the school bus. These are the best things in life.

At the end of the day, after my family has enjoyed the fellowship of the evening meal and all the dishes are cleaned, the best thing in life is to sit in my living room and watch my daughters dance. I sit in my club leather chair, sipping an herbal tea, and fill my spirit with the warmth of the liquid and flood my heart with the sunset of my husband and daughters sway on the old hardwood floors. I smile at the pleasure of life and the gift of family. I listen to my thirteen-year-old son sing his part in the school play and my ears are filled with the melody of his voice, this is the best thing in life.

When I turn out the lights and snuggle under my comforter, I can softly sigh a thank you God, I have had the best things in life.

Learn more about this author, Taye Foster Bradshaw.
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