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Gratefulness
Today I am grateful to be alive, to feel, see and know the grace and power of something we call Spirit. That alone is joy and gift enough!
1. That experiencing relationships, in their various forms, enriches and adds meaning to my life. 2. That maintaining and caring about relationships is a worthy investment. 3. And that dogs are still in the running as man’s best friend!
James Toothaker was first a friend and Quaker minister, who early on guided me on spiritual matters and how to grow into my new-found faith. Though Jim would not live to see me become a minister several years after his passing, and now, four decades later, I feel that I carry something of Jim’s heart and spirit whenever I am called upon to provide pastoral care to others.
As a kid, out in the neighborhood, alone or with friends, and exploring the nooks and crannies of places unknown, the more “off-limits” the better, with a sense of boyhood adventure and exploration. Decades before cell phones and computers I would be out and about all day, back for lunch and off again, returning for home and supper, dirty and tired and satisfied.
All the people in my life whom I have known, as friends, as loved ones, as young people under my care, and all those who have mentored me thus far in life. Our lives crossed, and I have been the better person for it.
By being present, and aware with all my senses of moments as they come.
Since I was born, everyone knew me as Kevin, even though the first name listed on my birth certificate is Joseph, and Kevin is my middle name. All through grade school and on every legal document since my birth, I am listed as Kevin. But my father, who was also named Joseph, was at various times during my childhood irresponsible, “missing in action,” a problem drinker, and unfaithful to my mother. Early on, my mother declared, “no child of mine will be called, Joseph!” So, Kevin it ha...
Since I was born, everyone knew me as Kevin, even though the first name listed on my birth certificate is Joseph, and Kevin is my middle name. All through grade school and on every legal document since my birth, I am listed as Kevin. But my father, who was also named Joseph, was at various times during my childhood irresponsible, “missing in action,” a problem drinker, and unfaithful to my mother. Early on, my mother declared, “no child of mine will be called, Joseph!” So, Kevin it has been since my infancy.
Some of my favorite memories are of my younger years as a farmer. You name it, I worked with it, from dairy to beef cattle, to market gardening and poultry. I loved the work, the farming life, and its environment, and because I was much younger then, all the body parts “got along” without nagging pain and physical limitations.
Integrity, or at least my experience of it, is not something that you turn on and off like a light switch. Nor can it be found on “special” in isle 4 at the supermarket. It can be found by others, however, in you, and I am told in so many words that it has been spotted in me, too, though at times I am not sure where. If I could tuck it under my arm on my way out the door in the morning, I would not interested in bringing it just for today. I want to bring it, all of it, with me every day....
Integrity, or at least my experience of it, is not something that you turn on and off like a light switch. Nor can it be found on “special” in isle 4 at the supermarket. It can be found by others, however, in you, and I am told in so many words that it has been spotted in me, too, though at times I am not sure where. If I could tuck it under my arm on my way out the door in the morning, I would not interested in bringing it just for today. I want to bring it, all of it, with me every day.
Six months ago, I took a number of steps, which then lead to actions and eventual execution of two distinctly different visions, or rather ideas, that I had been ruminating on for seemingly forever. Now, I have reaped my “rewards,” in the form of extra work and increased commitment of my time. So, to be honest, my “dance card” is currently full and I am currently pausing my “steps” for a while!
From the time I was 13 years old I was involved in farming, from plant-based to animal husbandry, and I continued farming all through my twenties. Those years, now decades later, still frame much of how I experience the world around me, from a reverence for life itself, to the certainty that just as life comes, it will surely end, too. For me, it’s what we do with the middle of that reality, come hardship or fortune, through sorrow and Joy, longing and hope, that makes the days’ worth liv...
From the time I was 13 years old I was involved in farming, from plant-based to animal husbandry, and I continued farming all through my twenties. Those years, now decades later, still frame much of how I experience the world around me, from a reverence for life itself, to the certainty that just as life comes, it will surely end, too. For me, it’s what we do with the middle of that reality, come hardship or fortune, through sorrow and Joy, longing and hope, that makes the days’ worth living, on a path made wide with gratefulness and love and is shared among many.
I try to practice mindfulness, and gratefulness when dealing with severe and chronic back pain. But to be honest, sometimes what I am most grateful for in those severe moments of pain, is medication. And that, when it is time, I am exceedingly grateful that this relief is available to me
Todays question makes me smile!
I cannot wait to be able to hug any one of our seven grandchildren, and to be able to hug them without reservation or concern that one of us might be transmitting that nasty little Coronavirus.
You know, Sunnypatti, my daily practice on this site is to always write my own reflection and post it before reading anyone else’s entries. Every now and then I am amazed, like today, how similar my response will be to another’s. Wow! I didn’t include this part in my reflection, but I too did the Saturday morning cartoon lineup as well, starting before anyone else in the then city apartment was up!
Michele, now you’ve got me singing that Beatles tune in my head!
Howie, this is fascinating!
This is beautiful, and powerful, my friend. Thank you.
Good for you, Emily!
Good luck with that, Michele! (Tongue-in-check here…!) 🙂 Since my retirement five years ago, I take care of our Quaker Meeting property the next town over which has three buildings on two acers of land. I’m chasing contractors all the time, especially after they say, “I’ll be there next Tuesday,” and then the chase to get them there is on!
…and Ed, I’m holding off on placing my bet! Good luck!
Ah, chanting! It’s been years since I have had an opportunity to chant in a group. I spent a weekend chanting, of all places, in an old, open stairway, with a group of people at a chanting retreat. And as you noted, Howie, the sound, unlike any other sound, just goes right through you to a place that other forms of music seldom reach.
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We are delighted to announce the release of Kristi Nelson’s book Wake Up Grateful
