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Gratefulness
Several years ago I was in a checkout line behind a harried young mother with a cartful of items and a screaming child. She glanced at me with apology in her eyes. I smiled and said something like, “been there, done that, no problem.” She exited finally and I checked out. As I left the store I found her waiting for me, wanting to thank me for being kind. It turned out that the child had some kind of disability. She began to tell me horror stories of the way she had been treated. W...
Several years ago I was in a checkout line behind a harried young mother with a cartful of items and a screaming child. She glanced at me with apology in her eyes. I smiled and said something like, “been there, done that, no problem.” She exited finally and I checked out. As I left the store I found her waiting for me, wanting to thank me for being kind. It turned out that the child had some kind of disability. She began to tell me horror stories of the way she had been treated. We talked for a long time. That young woman has no idea how she blessed me. I left that day on a mission to seek out people in stores who seem to need a bit of kindness, especially young mothers. I have some precious stories! It has been one long blessing for me and I hope for others.. I was just where I needed to be that day.
Yes, Koko! Walks to clear the mind help me, too.. I find myself talking things over with myself, aloud. The neighbors probably think I’m crazy!
I take a deep breath. Often I imagine myself looking at the earth from the moon or outer space to realize how very small all the things of earth are in the bigger picture. I pray, perhaps the serenity prayer, and try to find acceptance of whatever I am facing. Then I try to take the next best step, one day at a time. I do what I can on this day. I’ve learned one can only eat an elephant one bite at a time!
Gladys Taber, who wrote during the dark days of the ’50s when nuclear war was feared, once wrote something that has stayed with me. “I cannot possibly impact what is happening on the world level, but I can make the place where I am just a little better this day.” I can do that. I discovered Taber’s writings a few years ago. They are homey, peaceful reflections that have really helped during this pandemic.
Love the image of the mind’s filing cabinet!
So true!
A lovely metaphor for life, Howie! “a great vantage over the wide expanse of where I have been…but alas, little foresight of where I am actually going.”
I am hugging you right now, Dusty Su. Let the love spread into your heart.
Thank you for the gentle humor on this beautiful morning!
Lovely words, “very rich private peaceful time.” Thank you!
Beautifully said!
So true! Bless you, sweet sunnypatti.
What a perfect example of what is happening right now. We will all be different. Let us hope we will be butterflies!
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