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Gratefulness
I cannot see the day yet as it is 2.30am in midsummer Auckland. It is Auckland’ Anniversary Day when it is customary to hold a regatta on the harbour. Regattas require wind but there isn’t any at the moment but the dawn may bring a surprise.Then we will all have fresh eyes and see Auckland again as ‘city of Sails’.
What I really think in a positive way.
I couldn’t make a judgement on this point, but there are a growing number of people in my life who listen and respond with compassion to all whom they meet. Some of these people I had not previously noticed. I would like to join their number and serve other people as they do. They move quietly through the world. Their touch is gentle.
No day. I want to live now, fully, not then.
For myself I desire to give all that { have and for the world I desire unity.
The opportunity to begin again, to restart in a new way of living.
The day has almost ended and it has been a most difficult day – a dark space where even walking about was a struggle and sitting down sent me off to sleep for an hour, or more. Doing small things in a very leisurely manner is a great help in these situations as is a gentle exercise routine from time to time. What I could have done differently is take it all calmly and let it be how it is and be grateful for each breath. Thank you difficult day for the hidden treasure within.
I am in my lounge very early in the morning. My desk top lamp gives me bright light at the touch of a switch. That is wonderful and I am grateful for the amazing gift of electricity. In my view is a Japanese style bamboo tray of fruit – bananas, apples and kiwi fruit. I am filled with wonder at the trade and marketing skills that are in evidence in one small kitchen. I have just picked up my glasses that I had taken off for a moment or two. The blur that was my screen immediately became...
I am in my lounge very early in the morning. My desk top lamp gives me bright light at the touch of a switch. That is wonderful and I am grateful for the amazing gift of electricity. In my view is a Japanese style bamboo tray of fruit – bananas, apples and kiwi fruit. I am filled with wonder at the trade and marketing skills that are in evidence in one small kitchen. I have just picked up my glasses that I had taken off for a moment or two. The blur that was my screen immediately became clear and in sharp focus. I am grateful for the great skill of optometrists and wonder at their ability to enhance my rapidly failing eyesight. And the greatest source of my wonder is the interconnectedness of it all.
My own misery, and turn it into joy and thanksgiving and blessing to share with the entire universe.
I had just spent at least half an hour waiting to tell my telephone company that my land line was out of order. Simple? Not a bit of it. I was eventually connected with a technical department where the woman who took my call spoke with an American accent and some of her queries convinced me she wasn’t in New Zealand or anywhere near it. “Where are you?’ I asked. ‘The Philippines.’ Not at all surprising; just totally amazing that the repair of a phone in Auckland ...
I had just spent at least half an hour waiting to tell my telephone company that my land line was out of order. Simple? Not a bit of it. I was eventually connected with a technical department where the woman who took my call spoke with an American accent and some of her queries convinced me she wasn’t in New Zealand or anywhere near it. “Where are you?’ I asked. ‘The Philippines.’ Not at all surprising; just totally amazing that the repair of a phone in Auckland is organised by a woman in the Philippines. We made friends then and there, we made a connection. That’s what comes of waiting, Elaine. I went to the Gratefulness website, and found your blog and read of the depths/heights waiting can take us to. My day, quite ordinary, has become inspired. Thank you.
I was very humbled and proud (of belonging to such a great community) when I read all your comments. I am glad I stuck with it in spite of my love/hate relationship with computers.
I was hoping Brother David would get the opportunity to do just this and he has done it. Gracias Brother David. God is with his church!
Margaret, your story is my surprise for the day, and fills me with a sense of wonder at the beauty and courage of a grateful soul, and I am filled with hope when I realise that so many folk are practising gratefulness day after day.
Thanks Laura. I got some very positive ways to pass on gratitude and comment on the not so good without rancour. Blessings on you and your family.
The title of your blog attracted me, “Grateful for Getting Older”, my birthday having just past and most of my birthday cards having had a very large 90 embossed on them, even though I still feel about six. And I get as much fun as I ever did from the dandelions and the daisies, the roses and the orchids. Everything you wrote is just so true. Thank you.
An amazing essay – one of the best I have read. It inspires me to get out and do something, everything I can, in this wonderful world of ours.
After yesterday’s meditation to discover beauty within, without and to affirm it with a resounding ‘yes’, today’s ‘be surprised’ is a delight, and I have enjoyed being surprised all day by the bright sunshine and the rejoicing plants after two days of rain (the cause of the plants’ rejoicing). The skillful organisers may have planned it that way but surprises don’t have to be organised, they’re ready made for the moment.
Dear Franclne, Will do, and I will pray also that you have friends who listen when you want them to and walk with you in silent compassion when you don’t.
Dear Deb, May I walk with you through the shadows into the light of life. Peace be with you.
I have never been called Beth – I am the Elizabeth who gets her passwords muddled up and have been helped by the ever patient team.
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