Thursday's Thought

Once upon a time, my husband and I were movie buffs. Every Saturday morning we would scan the listings in the newspaper and decide which film (or two or three) we wanted to see. Depending on the theater and timing of our choice(s), we would plot the rest of the weekend schedule accordingly.

In our pre-parenthood years, we had it down to a science. We knew which theaters were best for independent art-house fare and what time we could see the latest blockbuster at the multiplex with minimal crowding. We knew which venues had the best concessions and who had the least restrictive policy for sneaking in outside treats. We eagerly anticipated the Academy Awards, using every category from Best Picture to Best Sound Editing as a benchmark for how well we had chosen over the course of the year.

These days we try to keep up from the comfort of our home, but seeing a film in a theater is a rare treat. So when it came to deciding how to celebrate our 11 (!!) year anniversary last weekend, we decided to revisit the "Shapiro Saturday" of days gone by. The day was full of simple pleasures: a coffee date, long walk, window shopping, and - of course - a movie. We spent the day reflecting on how far we've come, enjoying where we are, and dreaming about where our path may lead.

Sometimes, life calls for an extravagant celebration, but it often is even more meaningful to recognize the little things that take up the most space in our hearts. What "small" thing can bring you joy today?