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Gratefulness
Gratefulness is lifestyle, an attitude for living, for approaching life – each and every component of it. Finding the lessons, blessings….
The voices of women in the Bible, many of them unnamed, but whose stories are incredibly important to faith and life. The voices of women, especially women of color, both now and in the history of our nation, who have called us out in times of injustice, inequality, humility. The voices of smart, creative, and insightful young women whose desires are to be have their place at the table with all the same benefits as smart, creative and insightful young men. The voices of little girls who in th...
The voices of women in the Bible, many of them unnamed, but whose stories are incredibly important to faith and life. The voices of women, especially women of color, both now and in the history of our nation, who have called us out in times of injustice, inequality, humility. The voices of smart, creative, and insightful young women whose desires are to be have their place at the table with all the same benefits as smart, creative and insightful young men. The voices of little girls who in their innocence have no idea they can’t do or be anything they want to do or be, and the parents who continue to nurture that.
I’m with Samuel today – the village of people it takes to make my life what it is, known and unknown.
Say grace before every meal, Eat mindfully. Know what is in my food. Eat only when hungry. Volunteer for a food service outreach – food pantry, soup kitchen, Meals on Wheels, or donate to such a work. Plant and eat from my own garden; try to understand something of what it takes from growers and the Earth to produce good food. And be thankful.
I need to be more patient with myself in my expectations of others all the time. Doing it day by day helps.
My family – kids and grandkids, sisters, and in-laws; and my 6 best friends of the last 60 years;. I am thankful for many others who were and are the “saints” in my life – mentoring, befriending me during different passages of life, career, parenting, etc. They are all still dear.
What are the standards of measurements by which I am supposed to measuring my full appreciation of the fact that I am alive today? Moods ebb and flow; responsibilities, life circumstances require more or less of us each and every day; one day I am working, another I am on vacation in the beautiful hills and forests of Oklahoma with cool temperatures and nature all around me. Some days are easy, some days are HARD! Some days I’m productive, some days I’m lazing with a book and naps. But ev...
What are the standards of measurements by which I am supposed to measuring my full appreciation of the fact that I am alive today? Moods ebb and flow; responsibilities, life circumstances require more or less of us each and every day; one day I am working, another I am on vacation in the beautiful hills and forests of Oklahoma with cool temperatures and nature all around me. Some days are easy, some days are HARD! Some days I’m productive, some days I’m lazing with a book and naps. But every single day, I get out of bed as I am able, walk outside my back door and give thanks for another day of breathing in and out – the gift of life.
To catch myself when I begin thinking negatively, and ask myself “What am I learning in this situation about myself, life, others, and how can I respond with gratitude?”
Such a poignant question today, and one I wish every politician would ask before opening their mouths, casting a vote, tweeting or posting. But it is enough that I would ask it of myself, before I do any of the above.
Love, peace, hope and joy
I see beauty in the helpers who are tending to the suffering. For my peace of mind and heart it is important to actively look for the beauty in the midst of suffering, however it might present itself. It’s always there. But it presents differently, so it may be in unexpected ways or places.
I’m a slow learner when it comes to dealing with my expectations and assumptions of myself and others. It takes a LOT of self-talk to bring my expectations into the realm of reality. But experience tells me that if I expect too little of myself, I will get nothing done. I tend to be a slacker if I don’t set even moderate or creative expectations. Then I tend to do the same for others.
Fear is a gift in some ways, and not always to be denied or lessened. It needs to be acknowledged, recognized – the source found. Gratefulness can be a tool for dealing with the source of the fear, or pushing through the fear with courage. Living gratefully reminds me that I have a partner in recognizing fear and facing it.
Stars, clouds, the colors of the sky, changing seasons, but mostly the ocean. There’s a whole other world there with its own life that rages, stills, and has its own being. I wouldn’t want to be unable to experience the variations of the natural world.
Like Sunnypatti, some fears and anxieties, some strength to forge ahead regardless or in spite of circumstances, making do with and finding joy in what I have. A deep lineage in my brand of religious expression; the gift of storytelling and oral tradition. Gratitude
Happy Birthday, Sunnypatti – May your heart and body rejoice in this great life today.
That is a beautiful poem, Howie! Thanks for sharing.
LOL – That was my reaction, Dusty Su.
Bless you in your hard work.
I’m right there with you, my friend.
So wise…
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