blessings

Bright and crisp was the sun that shone after several days of cold and often freezing rain. I gathered my keys, my cell phone and my wallet as I headed toward the slightly muddied truck for a short run to secure some groceries for the next few meals. The cows were chomping away at the newly sprouted grass and early clover as I drove the pot hole spotted driveway toward the once quiet country road from the family farm to the bustling city. The cows seemed to glow in the bright sunshine with which we were being blessed. I turned onto the well maintained and sturdy country road toward my city destination. A bright shine in the distance by the edge of the road caught my attention. As I got closer, the black garbage bag overflowing with pinkish substances became more evident. Then, I saw the Styrofoam cup, and a few feet away two soda cans on the right side of the road. A short distance further my eyes were met with more strewn cups of Styrofoam, translucent plastic and what looked like a bed cushion soaking up the abundance of water left by the multiple days of rain that came before. Now my attention had been drawn from the blessing of the bright sunshine illuminating the fields and woods along the roadway to the plethora of cast away cups, cans, and plastic bags lining the sides of the road. It seemed the distractors were strewn every twenty to thirty feet, on ether side of the road. I remembered that in late Autumn, “road crews” were busy along the side of the road collecting trash and garbage that had been strewn haphazardly during the summer as well. Now having seen the accumulation of discarded objects along the way, I found it harder to refocus my attention upon the blessing of the bright sunshine. PD has a way of sneaking its “trash” in the form of stiffness and rigidity in the way of an otherwise routine, but painless day. Likewise, I find it necessary to re-focus my thoughts on the temporary increase in dosage of dopamine assistance to help “clean up” the distraction of movement from the otherwise bright and cheerful day. Both the clutter of symptoms and the collection of rudely discarded cast away objects requires an intentional focus to maneuver past. With whispers of gratitude and the faith to move beyond the bits of a cluttered day the bright light of sunshine illuminates another thanks filled morning!

The rains have gone and the aftermath is a quiet calm and a chilled morning. This possessor of Parkinson’s symptoms experienced some stiffness and discomfort during the deluge but has since been touched with only minor aches and pains that may be as much related to age as to the depletion of dopamine. Today is a celebration. Fourteen years ago a precious gift was given our family in the form of an infant girl to whom her parents gave the name Vanessa. Her loving, bright, and cheerful demeanor coupled with a quick grasp of knowledge about and around her environment has embedded her very being in our hearts. For this precious gift that brightens a room with the sunshine of her heart and personality we give thanks. She reminds us that blessings come into our presence every day in forms that melt our hearts and brighten our lives in ways we never imagined. Every day is a blessing that is brightened by the presence of each grandchild and today’s is grandly illuminated by this gift who celebrates fourteen years!

All is quiet with the exception of the rhythmic ceiling fan stirring the cooled conditioned air in the early hours of the morning. In this pre-dawn time my thoughts surround the notion that assuming a different position will render a more relaxed portal through which sleep will descend. Relaxation fails to arrive and thoughts of the day ahead begin swirling almost with the rhythm of the fan. A conscious leap to thoughts of gratitude for another evening of renewal and a current day offering up the presence of possibilities to discover what opportunities lie yet to be discovered brings the assurance of hope for another day. As I peer through the glass door to the well illuminated white bench in the yard I recall the many years that bench has occupied that space. My father placed it there when I was in college and except for the replacement of the wooden back rails and the occasional paint job it has remained the same for all those years. It has seen the pecan tree erupt into a giant green monster over it and has witnessed my son’s first lesson in “stick carving” and his wife’s seating in her wedding dress (for pictures) on the day of their marriage. It has held my daughter and I as we talked, my granddaughter and I as we cracked some pecans and it stands today as a wonderful reminder of the blessings for which this old PD possessor has to be thankful. The journey from the restless dawn to the bench of memories was only a few thankful moments that reminded me of grateful gifts of the past and anticipation of those yet to come!

The light of a new day peeks through the warm and humid haze that hovers along the hillside. Not stricken with the urgency of a “to do” list just yet this aging bearer of delayed motor function observes the calm beauty of the early morning. Pups and mommy lie peacefully together in their pen with little more than an occasional moan of satisfaction arising from the litter. Even the chickens that often roam the yard in search of delectable crawly creatures have not found their way from their barnyard abode. Reflection of the past two weeks sends me to a place of thankfulness for tasks accomplished that have moved loved ones along a pathway to new adventures. Sebastian, the cat has made himself know by scratching and meowing at the door for some supplemental morsels that supersede the mice and vole engorgement he demonstrates with his swagging belly. Soon the chores of another day will demand attention, but for now, the wonder of this gift called life is savored in this mindful cauldron that is stirred by the beauty of the moment in touch with the creator and sustainer.  Gratitude is the salve that soothes even the prickly pokes that challenge what we wish to always be a smooth and non-painful journey. Blessings come in assorted containers, some easier to open than others, but always filled to the brim!

The roadway was drenched as torrents of rain descended and the sound of the wipers working frantically to brush the water aside seemed to add to the tightening tension of this Parkinson’s possessing grandpa driving the rental truck in northeast Florida. Four gracious fellows had taken less than two hours to load the truck that morning and we began our journey well before Noon. Eight hours later we were in north Georgia and ready for some replenishing sleep before completing the second leg of the 835 mile journey. Arrival at the farm was a blessing and a relief. The truck was soon unloaded and Father’s Day was blessed with a family cookout and a near collapse onto the bed for a thankful night’s sleep. An early rise filled the air with anticipation of my daughter’s arrival that was anticipated that evening. Soon, she would arrive with her cargo in tow and make this week long preparation and journey toward broader family relocation a reality. Gracie, fraught with puppies and slow of movement, began to pant and moan. Puppy number one showed her face and thus began the evening’s journey of little sleep and extended sounds of puppy whines and mommy moans as one after another after another began to make its appearance. With daughter and family welcomed, fed and relieved to have safely made the journey, the humans all retired for a restful night’s sleep. At seven the next morning, eleven of nature’s blessings had arrived and were eagerly seeking the nipple of triumph for which each had to wait its turn. This sleep deprived possessor of Parkinson’s was filled with gratitude as prayers of thankfulness were offered for the miracles that the last forty eight hours had wrought. Now seven more of the human family is closer by to visit with and share love and eleven more beautiful Golden Retrievers begin their journey of growth in preparation for their “forever” homes! I was reminded that even tired old codgers find renewal in new life and new adventures!

As the plane taxied along the runway toward our arrival gate, the anticipation within the cabin was palpable. It seemed everyone was eager to disembark the vessel that had brought us from the chill of winter in North Carolina to the warmth of winter in South Florida. Slowly, row by row each passenger vacated the plane to emerge in a crowded mass of humanity, most of whom were taking with them the memories (fond or otherwise) of the cruise that had just ended. For this limping traveler, the crowd that seemed to not know where it was or where it was going was a challenge through which to navigate. Soon we were descending the escalator to claim bags that contained our possessions for the week ahead. As the crowd seemed to swell I reminded myself that there was much for which to be thankful. Gratitude for the opportunity to travel those hundreds of miles in such a short time and to be brought safely to the destination we had chosen. As I observed others I whispered words of thanks for their safe arrival and expressed silent wishes for their continued safety on their journey. As we met our granddaughter rushing to guide us to the waiting car outside the terminal we were filled with the joy that comes from a heart of gratitude. Thankfulness helps to make every potential challenge an opportunity to discover the blessing that is life!

Hills, valleys, mountains, and tunnels were all behind us as we arrived at my cousin’s home in West Virginia. The sun was setting as we toured the garden and the newly completed art studio and woodworking shop behind their house on the east end of Charleston. We soon gathered folding chairs and headed to the riverfront to take in the music along the shore facing the University of Charleston. The starry night accentuated the dome of the capitol as the five of us sat taking in the music, the cool evening breeze, and the stories of family and past experiences. As we collected our seats and returned them to the back of the van I was struck by the wonder of God’s blessing to be sharing such a lovely time with family. Although many years had passed since we had really spent any prolonged time together the ease and warmth of our conversations seemed to melt those years as if they were yesterday. With anticipation of more joyful communion and festival activities to come, we retired for the evening with thankful hearts for renewed connections. Prayers of gratitude soothed this boomer to a restful night’s sleep.

In the pre-dawn moments as all was quiet, my mind awakened to a plethora of unfinished business. The process of cleaning gutters was mentally engaged as I wandered off to some barn roof repairs and then to a recollection of my father sitting in the old corn crib, long demolished, proudly showing the corn he had so expertly shucked. In those twilight moments I realized I was drifting in and out of sleep. People for whom I prayed came to mind and I realized the list was long. As I thanked God for the privilege of another day I became fully aware of the blessings surrounding me. The presence of a loving God; the assurance of my eternal presence with Him; the opportunity to be living in a loving faith-filled home; and the opportunity to live out these blessings in humble gratitude gives rise to a thankful heart. The challenges of this day are unknown, but the truth of God’s grace is sufficient to face them all. “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24.

Winter rain falls gently on the metal roof of the old farmhouse as the light ascends from the eastern sky. The peaceful lull of the falling drops tugs rhythmically as the agenda begins its journey into the space called today. Equipped with plan, mind set, and motivation to discover along the way, the day is ready to be unfurled. The day, however, waits for no one as it ticks ever onward. On the go or resisting the flow, the hours stream forward to the ocean of blessings that await. May your day meet the tide of blessings with a shore of thankfulness and love!

The fire crackles as the plum of flames ignited from the newly added logs. The stove creaks as the flames give off their inevitable heat. Morning has arrived and light has begun to stream forth from the east, casting its gleam on all the land.  The showery mist consumes the light into a shadowy glow. Another day has arrived and with it the opportunity to discover more of God’s blessings. Plans have been made for the day that act as a compass guide. Whatever may come this day, this morning reflection and the sense of direction add to the peace with which the gifts of today will be unwrapped. Not every day has been like this, nor do I expect that all future days will unfold this way. What hasn’t been and what might be are now tucked away in the grace and peace of what is. I give thanks for this moment, this day, this opportunity for life!

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