See our Privacy Policy
Gratefulness
Today, specifically, I’ll write an email to a friend who had knee replacement and ask when I can drop by for coffee and a visit outside or on her breezeway.
In the past three days, I dug out a short row of beets which I’d grown from seed and planted; I roasted them, I peeled them and yesterday I made some beet soup – 4 quarts, of which I froze 3 for the future. I want to be aware of these kinds of simple acts as participation in the “great fullness.”
When we again believe in and act upon the principle of “The Common Good.”
Today, I will nurture the people I treasure by making a delicious and healthy dinner… the time it takes and the healthful ingredients I will use will represent my love and nurture.
I’ve noticed myself being able to just let something go – and not dwell on it. It’s regretful that something happened, but “oh well, I’m moving on…” and I’m not letting something eat at me and continue to infect my life.
Right here, right now – pre-dawn with the gradually lightening sky in the east… the dark silhouettes of the trees and leaves gently waving a ‘good morning’ to me in the breeze. A hot cup of coffee, the quiet, reflecting on gratefulness, setting the tone for the day… praying… centering … knowing: God. Is. Taking that first conscious breath, aware of the Spirit in me, sustaining my life …
Clearing out a townhouse for an elderly father and recently deceased mother the past week, I committed to letting go of a lot of “stuff” of my own – as well as not taking on the care of many of theirs. So I left many of their beloved possessions behind for a small ‘estate’ sale rather than hauling them home. My mother loved these things, but I need to let them go to some other home now and not my own. And it will help me to put my own stuff in perspective and ...
Clearing out a townhouse for an elderly father and recently deceased mother the past week, I committed to letting go of a lot of “stuff” of my own – as well as not taking on the care of many of theirs. So I left many of their beloved possessions behind for a small ‘estate’ sale rather than hauling them home. My mother loved these things, but I need to let them go to some other home now and not my own. And it will help me to put my own stuff in perspective and not devote my life to maintaining the storage of them!
Of course, there’s a whole other dimension of letting go of some emotional baggage too – but right now the physical baggage is what’s getting my attention. 🙂
I focus on what WAS, and the blessing of having had that person or experience in my life. That leads me to a feeling of gratitude….
I embrace my imperfection by laughing at my mistakes and finding delight in them. And then, I find I have a *perfect* attitude toward my imperfections. (Wait a minute, isn’t that what I’m trying to avoid?!) 🙂
I agree with the reflections of others who mentioned that this is a good question … and I’ll be on the lookout for the way I can joyfully surprise someone else today, too. And, in the discovery, I hope I am joyfully surprised as well!
My mother died just 10 days ago, so I’ve been deep into pondering her life – her laugh, her ability to pun and enjoy good verbal gymnastics, her love and support for her kids and grandkids — but also those things that she feared and never really faced in her life. So – the lessons are there in both aspects: things I want to emulate and things I want to deal with while I can, because both will strengthen my spirit as I continue to age.
Thank you to all of you for your condolences…
……”not all the “stories” we tell about our past are useful or necessary anymore. I believe the grace of letting go of these thoughts of repetitive stories of the past is a useful and necessary way to put path to liberation…..”
Thank you for those words this morning.
I love the image of the “no-judgment zone” and being perfectly at peace. Thank you!
Some years ago, I read about “toxic people” in one’s life… but I also realized I wanted to balance the forgiveness (70 x 7 ?) that Jesus speaks of. So regarding one particular toxic person in my life, I have forgiven them but no longer assume any responsibility for maintaining a relationship with them because it really is too poisonous to my spirit. I don’t know if that perspective helps, but I think sometimes we Christians take unhealthy punishment from a toxi...
Some years ago, I read about “toxic people” in one’s life… but I also realized I wanted to balance the forgiveness (70 x 7 ?) that Jesus speaks of. So regarding one particular toxic person in my life, I have forgiven them but no longer assume any responsibility for maintaining a relationship with them because it really is too poisonous to my spirit. I don’t know if that perspective helps, but I think sometimes we Christians take unhealthy punishment from a toxic person because we think it’s “faith-mandated” somehow. I believe there is another way to protect one’s own spirit and heart, but no longer expose oneself to the pain. Blessings, Antoinette.
Yes, prayers for you, EJP – and for all of us who are in various stages of trying to cope with these challenges.
Good point about “can” and “will” — I think I’ll ponder both today and make a commitment to the “will”.
Safe travels – and blessings during this time of transition, Howie.
Okay, and I love your father’s twin sister now too!!
I think I love your grandmother…
Stay connected to the community by adding people to your list.
This site is brought to you by A Network for Grateful Living, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax deductible in the U.S.A.
© 2000 - 2020, A Network for Grateful Living
Website by Briteweb
