gratitude
Relieved to be safely away from the squeezed quarters of the “jumbo” jet that had been what seemed like our cramped nest for seven hours, we made our way slowly through customs at Rome’s Leonardo daVinci airport. Just outside the exit was waiting the friendly and chatty tour guide who directed us to the luggage collection area. We were told where to meet the group some forty five minutes later for our bus guided tour through the historic sites of Rome with a brief stop at Vatican City. With our body clock still lingering at 3:00am, the 9:00am rendezvous in Rome called for a cup of freshly brewed Italian coffee. Soon we were aboard the bus approaching the ancient city of Rome that we had visited the first time some thirty years before. Whisking by the Baths of Caracalla where we had seen the opera Tosca on a previous visit, then to the road leading to the catacombs and the Apian Way leading to Naples, we were given a glimpse of the Coliseum. With a ninety minute stop at the Vatican, we were thankful for an opportunity to grab a snack and visit a few shops. We had toured the Vatican before and were grateful since the lines on this day’s arrival were showing to deliver a two hour wait for entry. Safely back in the bus after another challenging walk, we were promptly delivered to our embarkation port at Civitavecchia. As we approached our cabin door with key in hand we were grateful that our luggage was waiting there for us to unpack it. Looking out from our balcony as our ship traveled south along the coast of Italy we were filled with awe and gratitude for a safe journey and the opportunity to be visiting places we had never seen before. Sore and throbbing, this possessor of PD was filled with thankfulness for another opportunity at a day filled with challenges accomplished.
The long anticipated journey to Europe and ship excursion through the Aegean is over. The return trip was exhaustingly long, but a few hours sleep is getting us back in the routine that has previously sustained us. A broken brace for the somewhat atrophied leg and foot of this PD participant necessitated having to forego the self-possessed desire to do the return trip walking through seemingly miles of meandering airport and customs pathways and surrender to the aid of ship and airport persons equipped with wheel chairs and alternate airport pathways. This heart is filled with gratitude for all those who helped, but especially the gentleman in Philadelphia, who shared with us his joy of travel and the journeys to many of the places we had visited. Thanks to his help, we were whisked from our arrival gate, through Customs, to baggage claim, and then through the process of rechecking all for the last flight home. Sore, throbbing, and sleepy, we arrived home thanks to Joy, and shared some recollections of our inspiring journey before retiring to some much needed rest. Gratitude was the pillow upon which our head filled with cherished moments lay for a renewing repose.
A thick fog renders the view of the rising sun as an opaque orb in the distance. Another change in the weather is forecast to bring much cooler temperatures over the next few days. The glistening grass and the dew dripping vines bearing the fruit of the garden give evidence of nature’s progression soaking in its provision. The season has been a rich one filled with varieties of plants and animals in varying degrees of plenty. The harvest is almost over and creatures all around are preparing for the onslaught of winter. Black walnuts, pecans, and chestnuts are being offered up by their respective bearers. Soon the trees so well adorned with the brilliance of the Artist’s pallet will stand bare to witness the cascade of falling snow. Change is inevitable and its evidence is omnipresent. Change is best embraced with the arms of gratitude for change is the evidence of life itself.
Silently the old and worn violin hangs on the wall near the mantle. A few simple repairs would bring it back to a usable state. It occupies that space as a reminder of the richness of life that includes the past. My first glimpse at the instrument was near an old storage area in our attic. I was near ten years of age and wanted to know more about the origin of this finely shaped, but mouse chewed device. My mother recounted the cold winter evenings around the old fireplace of her youth as her father made the room come alive with the melodic tones he and his fiddle produced so well. I remember the glow in my mother’s eyes as she recalled the joy she had experienced at the gifted hands of her father as his music filled the air. Grandpa Davis had died of pneumonia in the 1920’s, leaving his wife and seven young daughters. The stories of their survival and ultimate thriving could fill a novel. Some repairs to the instrument brought it to a condition that allowed me to take some lessons when I was but a lad. I wondered what it must have sounded like when Grandpa played it near the old fireplace of my mother’s youth. Silently it hangs now as a prompter of memories that bring it alive in the mind of this beholder. Gratitude fills my heart for memories of the past that bring richness in the present. A thankful heart provides the rich soil in which fond memories sprout into the sunshine of today!
All is quiet on the farm this morning. Even the rooster has taken a break. A chill has descended over the landscape as random leaves meander slowly to the ground. A reflective tone has emerged today as I ponder the blessings that have been wrought over the years. Pain and sorrow have been occasional visitors, but they have not overstayed their welcome as thankfulness and gratitude have swiftly filled their void. It seems like yesterday that I was wondering what life opportunities might unfold as I left this farm for college and adventures beyond. A whole new world began to emerge as I embraced possibilities along the path. The richness of people and places has been the source of great joy in the treasure chest of memories. As my family has grown, so has my bounty of gratitude been multiplied beyond simple measure. Challenges have more often than not been addressed as opportunities to discover and uncover the vastness of God’s creation. Even the challenges of disease are presenting discoveries new to me and bringing me closer to the beauty of a full spectrum of emotions that are always collected gently in my jar of thankfulness. The richness of being a human filled with the grace of God sustains this pilgrim’s journey. Psalm 23 has come to life and I am thankful to be tasting it!
Overcast skies and a piercing chill greet the morning as the first cloak of autumn is being fitted over the landscape. The initial tease of a cooling night and day was a welcomed reprieve from the sweltering summer sun that both gave and soaked up life in the square foot garden. Memories of childhood now return as we recall the passing of long and warm days that offered greater freedom to roam or discover the myriad of places and objects with which to play. Fall meant less light in which to discover nature’s bounty and the donning of layers of restrictive clothing to maintain body heat. Change is sometimes a welcomed visitor and at other times an intrusive invader robbing one of the familiar routine to which one has grown accustomed. The affliction with which we live reminds us of both elements of change. The unwelcome invader of symptoms that challenge often leaves as abruptly as he arrived giving rise to the welcomed freedom from pain and discomfort. Living in a haven of gratitude has proven to be the source of solace that sustains through the winds of change.
The moon glow was bright as Gracie the Golden raced to her early morning relief. The coolness of the air marked the change for the coming new season. Grass glistened with the presence of dew reflecting the light of the moon. Dawn had not yet broken, signaling yet another validation of seasonal passing from summer to fall. Suddenly hissing and snorting sounds arose from the direction of the gazebo. Gracie was frozen in her tracks as she attuned her head and ears in the direction of the sound. Small branches were broken as the owner of the hiss took flight into the safety of the nearby ground cover. More hissing and snorting followed as yet another apparent deer leapt into the safety of the brush. The timid Gracie came bounding back to the house that gives her refuge. Safe within the walls of her abode, the Golden curled at her master’s feet to be reassured that all was well in her world. In the apparent joy at her refuge a short nap gave evidence to her gratitude for shelter from the strange onslaught. May gratitude be your solace as you venture into the new discovery that is today!
Morning sun illuminates the remaining evening fog as light through a frosted window. The swing in weather from hot and humid to cool and drier has left its mark. The season is changing and a few trees are already releasing their evidence. A full agenda waits as we reflect on the blessings of the days just passed. Time and fellowship with family and friends has marked the last few days as blessed. Flexibility and absence of pain have contributed to freedom of movement that has added to the pleasure of the moments shared with others. A hefty dose of gratitude sustains our desire to uncover the blessings that lie ahead today. With thankfulness as our fuel we rev the engine of faith as we run the race set before us.
A breeze from the north carries the mist through the old chestnut tree as it sways in response. The weather is signaling a change as the early pangs of the fall season begin to arrive. Autumn will soon arrive bringing a kaleidoscope of forest leaves that will signal farewell to summer days of early morning and late evening sun. This early change requires only minor adjustments in daily routine. Soon we will see the need for even more adjustments to accommodate the changing clime. Likewise, changes in daily routine are required as the insidious disease called Parkinson’s insinuates itself more deeply into life’s experience. The inclination to not challenge self to move frequently and often seems to be accentuated at the arrival of cool and rainy days. Intention followed by action, however, frees the inclination to embrace another experience. Gratitude for the ability to engage movement that opens opportunities both today and tomorrow is the springboard to agility. Thankfulness is the well from which the thirst for joy is quenched.
The landscape glistens in the glow of the morning sun. A refreshing rain from the evening past lingers as heavy dew on the grass covered meadow. Leaves from the black walnut trees are beginning their descent, giving notice that the fall season is on its way. Sebastian the cat saunters past with his proud morning catch in tow. As we take in the majesty of nature’s array, we can’t help but whisper prayers of thankfulness for the opportunity to participate in another day of possibility. Gratitude fills the heart as fuel for the journey. “This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it!” Psalm 118:24