Right now, in this moment? My husband, taking out and then feeding our dog in the pre-dawn. But also I give my whole-hearted thanks to one of my brothers who has taken on lots of additional work and responsibility for our extended family.

I had a basically happy childhood in which I was loved and affirmed…and rooted. I loved reading, music, nature, learning new skills, being a tomboy in the woods… all things I still enjoy. I had grandparents who loved me and I am blessed to pass along that love as a grandma myself now. I am so grateful.

The first image that came to me with the phrase “spread my wings” wasn’t so much in the sense of a nestling who is spreading its wings to fly, but rather the mother bird or hen who spreads her wings over her chicks in protection (image in scripture, Luke 13:34) . So I may be being invited to be protective of others and provide a safe, sheltering place …

Yes, I commit to this! I almost didn’t post any kind of reply at all – because I simply wanted to affirm my commitment and that didn’t seem “post-worthy”. Then I realized that even my wee YES posted here might have an impact on the world in encouraging more simple YES responses!

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.”

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 …

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!

Having these bodily senses with which to experience life is miracle enough this morning….

Prayers and cards from friends after my mother’s recent death… calls and messages of support and kindness. Knowing people care and that they have taken the time to reach out….

Choosing gratitude opens my eyes to see: the morning sun, the new day, the hummingbirds happily sipping at the feeder and visiting the pink and maroon monarda in the garden, the taste of my morning coffee…. I read the messages of gratitude from brother & sister travelers on this thread, and am inspired and additionally grateful. God, keep my eyes open in gratitude this day.

I resonate with so much of what has already been said…. but I would add from my faith perspective: believing that there is Christ-presence in others and that (almost?) always, there is something to be learned when I listen to and observe the journeys of others. We listen to and learn from one another, and that is a gift from God.

……”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!

I hope you will find some sense of community… even this one, small and distant from one another physically as we may be, helps me open my eyes to people whose values and gratitude for life are things I share… and I find it to be a gift.

Howie, re: Sully. There is a recent (last week) interview of him on the podcast called “The Oath with Chuck Rosenberg.” Really wonderful and inspiring precisely about character and knowing the protocol as second nature. And thank you for your reflections on this question…

I often think of my own ethical conduct and service as what I do for “community” or “the common good” — but because of what you wrote, I think I’ll begin thinking in terms of friendship: how my thoughts and actions serve to “befriend” in my neighborhood, community, area, world… Thank you.

I love this, and looked up the poet. Just a note: she is Jennifer Welwood (not Westwood) for anyone else who is looking for her poetry.

Haha! I love this, Pollyanna, because I do the same thing!