When you are lying in bed in the early morning listening to rain pounding on the roof, steadily becoming aware of your responsibilities, and lamenting your growing sleep deficit, there are a few options before you. You are searching for something to look forward to, a reason to get out of bed, something with enough incentive to move aside the comfort of your covers.

On a dreary, busy day with inconsistent weather and an absurd to-do list, I put together a less than satisfying clothing ensemble. And underneath, hidden by my shoes, I wore pink socks with fuzzy sheep on them. Perhaps you understand the comfort and joy they brought; perhaps you have done something similar yourself. They are among “the little things,” these pink sheep socks.

It's good, sometimes, to remember the little things. Life grows busy, overwhelming, wearying. And "little things," of course, cannot change that. Yet I'm learning to appreciate and notice the small things these days. They might not change the course of day, but they can provoke a smile, and that is enough. Pictured below are some of my favorite little things:

1. Socks

Like the pink sheep socks, the knowledge of wearing whale socks has brought comfort and joy on miserable days and ordinary days alike.

2. Unexpected beauty

I found this walking around my campus on a snowy February day. It's unexpected and strange to find a rose in a snow bank, but beautiful nonetheless.

3. This rabbit (with sunglasses)

Once upon a time, my family went on a cruise and I returned to my room to discover this delightful creature. I don't quite know why this makes me smile so much- it just might be in the sunglasses.

4. Quirky clothing items

There are some days when only a quirky clothing item will do. Such things are best found at thrift stores and saved for the rainy day, or snowy day, or day when you simply need to wear a turtle-neck with skiers on it.

5. Beauty in the barren places

This is a hopeful picture, although the ground is dry and cracked and the flower is only a dandelion. But there is something really beautiful about the bright spot of color on the dry, brown earth- and the sight brings a little bit of joy.