grateful
Clinging to the skin as a plastic wrap to a soup dish the morning air engulfed this aging PD host as we exited the “climate controlled” house. Soon we were speeding down the country road chilling ourselves with the flow of pressure cooled air in the vehicle designed for transport and comfort. Merging cautiously onto the bypass with vehicles speeding by we adjusted our speed to travel at a steady pace toward our planned destination. In the road ahead and in the passing lane to the left, a small box turtle was making its way toward the west ever so slowly. The creature had already made it through one lane on this fast paced roadway and was just about half way across the passing lane. If the turtle was to make the journey to a point yet to be discovered midst the forested byway, it had to make it through the highway median and another two lanes of fast paced traffic moving in the opposite direction. I wondered what the chances would be as I recalled just the week before anther box turtle on a two lane country road that was attempting a crossing as I was passing by and then discovering on my return a short while later the smashed remains of the turtle in the middle of the lane. As I sped by today’s box turtle I pondered that box turtle’s state. Was it dumb to tackle that dangerous pathway to a destination unforeseen? Or, was it brave to pursue its desires for adventure and change? Suddenly I realized that I was projecting my reasoning abilities (and sometimes lack thereof) onto a little box turtle who was doing what box turtles do; move from one place to another in search of food and or another box turtle. Sometimes, I think, the thoughts along our journey are too deep and at other times not deep enough. Today I am grateful for the ability to do what humans do; sometimes foolishly, sometimes bravely, sometimes fearfully, sometimes fearlessly, sometimes angrily, sometimes peacefully and I pray more and more often that we do things lovingly!
Safely back in the stateroom of our ship, we stood on our balcony to view the coast of Italy in the port of Napoli. A bus tour had taken us through the narrow and crowded streets of this thriving port town. The magnificent palaces of past kingdoms rule, before the unification of Italy, gave evidence of the might of numerous rulers over this port kingdom. We could see Vesuvius in the distance, its peak shrouded in the mist of hovering clouds. Thirty years prior, we had climbed with my sons to the peak of the cauldron of that giant responsible for the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. To the south of Vesuvius lies the town of Sorrento where we enjoyed outdoor entertainment years before. Further along the southern coast we could see the Isle of Capri glistening in the light of the October sun. Memories of climbing the steps to Ana Capri brought back the wonder of years gone by. We were nearing the end of our journey for this time and feeling eternally grateful for yet another opportunity to view these locations so rich in our memory. We have learned that places and objects of beauty and wonder come alive in the presence of a thankful heart. May your life today be enriched in the presence of thankfulness.
The view of Shenandoah Valley in Virginia is spectacular as one travels along the interstate highway. Rolling green hills dotted often with red barns and cattle grazing in vast fields were illuminated by the radiant sunlight pouring through the crystal blue sky. The enormous mountains in the distance remind one that this beautiful place truly is in the valley. We traveled this route twice this weekend. The first journey through the valley was distracted by the anticipation of getting to our Pennsylvania mountain retreat through roads not traveled before. A safe arrival and inspiring weekend prepared us to be in a more thankful and peaceful mind as we journeyed back home. The valley had not changed, but our minds and emotions had been stimulated to a place of peaceful gratitude so that when in the midst of the valley we were in awe of its beauty like never before. Perhaps we learned a valuable lesson along this journey. The grandeur of one’s view is influenced by the state of mind and heart through which the view is filtered. One’s eyes may be the receptacle, but one’s heart and mind are the interpreters. A grateful heart is the best lens through which life is viewed!
Turning from one side to the other in bed suddenly became a monumental effort. The mind reasoned it as non thought provoking but the body resisted as if there were a mountain to climb. First steps of the morning were met with frank resistance as the feet refused to undertake the customary heel to toe movement forward. As frustration rises, so does the pill rolling tremor in the right hand rise in intensity. Visits from these reminders of human disease vulnerability descend occasionally without warning, but most often after an over-exertion of physical activity or a forgotten dose of dopamine replenishing medication. Each event prompts a response from one of the crossroads along the road of grief. That road leads ultimately to acceptance, but not to surrender. Acceptance that avenues of wellness are still available on this journey is not a sign of surrender to a place of defeat or resignation that there is nothing that one may do that would lead down a brighter road. Sometimes in the space called acceptance, a sudden reminder of the challenge being faced at that moment takes hold and tears of grief and frustration well up to overflow upon the cheeks that harbor gratitude. Knowing the presence and comfort of the Creator is in itself a place of peace that far surpasses any reasoned understanding. A thankful heart still beats to the rhythm of grace as mercy each day shows His loving presence.
Anticipating the predicted wintry blast in this new spring season, we departed early for our appointment forty miles away. Not a drop of precipitation descended upon our vehicle while traveling that morning. Contrary to the forecast, there were moments of sun peeking through the morning sky as we traveled the country roads to the city destination. Appointment fulfilled and hopes of improved physical functioning raised, we began our journey back to the warmth of the old farm house. As we ascended a hill toward our destination we could see the gray haze descending upon the landscape like a hen nestling her chicks beneath her feathered breast. We stopped at the local café for a quick lunch break and heard the stories filled with awe of the morning’s “blizzard” of snow that in the warmth of that moment had succumbed to its liquid predecessor. Granddaughter was disappointed at having not witnessed the falling snow for the first time. Grandfather was empathetic and thankful for having been spared the task of driving in the wintry deluge. The subtle but nevertheless present anxiety of the morning’s rush, the extended walking that challenged this resistant body and the culmination of attention to two and a half hours of driving rendered the participating grandpa a bundle of ever increasing pain as the day progressed. Heeding the body’s message, gramps opted for an early evening repose as he drifted into dreamland with a grateful heart. Careful listening to the needs of the aching body turned out to be the best prescription for a brighter day!