It’s that traditional time of year to stop and appreciate what
we have, to count our blessings large and small
– health, family, friends, abundance, freedom. It’s also a
reminder to be grateful for little things – a beautiful melody, a
friend’s laugh, a plum-red dusk.
It’s that traditional time of year to stop and appreciate what we have, to count our blessings large and small – health, family, friends, abundance, freedom. It’s also a reminder to be grateful for little things – a beautiful melody, a friend’s laugh, a plum-red dusk.
Pause today and think about your life. Make a gratitude list. Get clarity on what is important to you. Because of the concerns of the times – war, terrorism, the events of 9/11, social ills of every sort – many people have been prompted to rethink their priorities. Maybe that’s not such a bad idea. Gratefulness should be more than a once-a-year affair.
Through gratitude, our attitudes and our lives will improve.
Perhaps we should focus more on that gratitude list and less on our complaint list. I have a friend who visited the Pacific Rim and came back with reports of street children – dirty, ragged, hungry, with not a glimmer of hope in their eyes. We are indeed a fortunate people as Americans. Most of our problems pale in comparison.
For today, find simple joy by spending more time with people you love, by doing a good deed, by being awestruck over nature’s finery, by offering a word of cheer to another.
So much of life’s sweetness is lost in the muddle of non-stop activity and unfulfilled good intentions. Don’t just go through the busyness, through the motions – make every day count. Along the way, take time to smell the roses!
A lady named Agnes Wylene Jones tells this story: “When I was a small child my grandfather often took me with him on Saturdays to do the weekly shopping. On one of those outings, we walked by a house with a fenced-in yard. The fence was covered with the most beautiful roses I had ever seen. I stopped to gaze at them and smell their glorious scent. Wonderstruck, I declared my amazement.
‘Grandpa, aren’t they the most beautiful flowers you’ve ever seen?’
Then a voice came floating out from the front porch of the house. ‘You may have one, dear. Pick any one you like.’
I glanced first at my grandfather, who nodded, then back to the elderly woman rocking on the front porch. ‘Are you sure, ma’am?’
‘Yes, my dear.’
“I quickly chose a full red rose. Thanking her, I told her how lovely her whole yard was and turned to go. She spoke again.
‘I grow the flowers for others to enjoy. I can’t see them, you know. I’m blind.’
I was stunned. I knew this generous woman was special even then. Later I realized she had given me much more than a rose. To this day I try to live her example, to give something to others so they might be happy, regardless of what I get from it.”
Before sleep tonight, think of a few things you’re grateful for. Focus on the here and now. Seize the day, roses and all.
