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.

This is a perfect question for me to keep in mind today as I’m about to head off for a full day of babysitting two small grandchildren!

I will share appreciation and gratefulness for the moments I share with others today – letting them know that I am grateful for THEM in my life.

A woman named Helena, who at 102 is still living on her own (with some assistance for transport & shopping) and has a positive attitude and the sunniest smile for each of those she meets. She is a role model for me because she takes life as it comes, without complaint, she makes wise decisions for herself and others (giving up driving voluntarily) and asks for help when she needs it (not afraid of being dependent, seeing it as a stage of life). But mostly, it’s the smile!

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!

Katrina, I agree!! 🙂

I’m grateful for Google Translate today, Ineke, so I could understand what you shared! 🙂

Lighting a candle for you and others in pain today …