gratitude
Perched on the railing of the back deck the flower boxes are overflowing with bright colored blooms. A “cold front” moved through last evening and left behind much cooler and dryer air, The blooms this morning seem almost crisp as they glisten in the light of the early dawn. Absent this year is the abundance of butterflies that seemed to consume the flower nectar in years gone by. Whether a result of the extreme cold during the winter past or just a quirk of nature’s cycle, the absence of butterflies is noticeable. One wonders if the poverty of Lepidoptera signals a forecast of more ominous weather this coming fall and winter. Time will tell and nature will deliver what has been appointed her. Today I give thanks for the beauty that blooms. That beauty is not diminished by the fear of what may or may not come in the future. Likewise, the potential and sometimes probable loss of flexibility and function in the future does not diminish the gratitude for the freedom of movement enjoyed today. Living in the midst of gratitude for today is the best immunization against the gloom that comes with fear of the future. May you enjoy the full dose of gratitude today!
The hanging fern swings gently in the morning breeze as streams of light shine through from the rising sun behind it. Early morning chores have given way to a time of reading and reflection. Not satisfied with just one there are currently three books in various stages of completion. The morning experience has become one of recognizing the presence of blessings. Thankful for an evening’s rest and filled with gratitude at the sight of another day, the morning serves as a time of gainful renewal, refocusing, and rejoicing. This diseased body is not symptom free, but mornings render it symptom-less as agility and flexibility open the door to greater ease of movement. Parkinson’s disease is noted for its progressive nature and I have experienced some of that progression over time. I have witnessed and heard about it [progression] from others who are similarly inflicted. Yesterday has passed and tomorrow is not promised. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
Just three miles away the rumbling and boom of fireworks from the local city display sent animals scurrying to their respective safe places. The campfire in the back yard was a delightful accompaniment to the majestic wedding gazebo as a backdrop. A reprieve from the oppressive heat was delivered as fresh cool air from the north invaded the outdoor space. Even the pond this morning was giving off fog in the cooler morning air. Fireworks, campfire, and cool mornings have not been the norm, yet each is welcomed as a joyful addition to the fun of summer. Memories are being created for the granddaughter who revels in the joy of every event. Some folks flinch at the thought of change, but change is a natural progression of life. One may either adjust to it or be overtaken by it. Some try desperately to resist it and in the process become themselves as irritable as a stone in one’s shoe. I seek more and more the understanding needed to not only embrace change but to adapt to it as my travel companion on this life journey. Gratitude is the vehicle that accommodates the new and different!
The overcast sky is but a reflection of the changing weather scene from hot to hotter. The level of humidity has risen to the degree of swelter. Just a few minutes gathering vegetables from the lovingly prepared garden renders one soaked from head to toe. The modern convenience of air conditioning is one we have grown to accept as ordinary and customary rather than rare and exceptional as in years gone by. A few minutes in the living sauna called out of doors is sufficient to ignite the spark of thankfulness for the cool reprieve granted by returning indoors. Sometimes even the seemingly simple things give pause for gratefulness. As a child I recall giving thanks for the fan that provided a breeze in the otherwise still and humid house drenched by the summer’s heat. Gratitude is the elixir that gives life to the otherwise mundane. Even in the midst of what might be seen as trials and tribulations, a point of thankfulness can lift one’s spirits in a way that opens our eyes to a new light. May your cup be filled with points of gratitude as you drink in today’s abundance!
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.
Gracie, the Golden, is curled in front of the sofa with her nose touching nearly each of her four feet. In the quiet of this morning a daily devotional reading inspires the thoughts of putting Christ like desires into action. With granddaughter sleeping later this morning there is ample time to ponder the gracious presence of God’s love in our lives. Life is far from the perfect scenario I would create, but thank God I am not the creator. In the wonder of this hour I recognize the grace and mercy that provide the way and means of navigating this life in the light of the perfect creator. Good news never gets old! No matter how great our challenge may be the power of grace is always more than sufficient to see us through. A heap of thankfulness packed in a barrel of gratitude mellows even the hardest of hearts. May your barrel overflow today!
A cool flow of air creates a comfortable reprieve from the hot and humid weather outside. Sunlight peeks through the cast of clouds holding in the heat and moisture from yesterday. Days filled with activities have given ample opportunities for exercising muscles and building stamina. Just trying to keep up with an eleven year old granddaughter stretches endurance sometimes to the limit for this aging boomer. The newest adventure will be bike riding on the trails by the river. Just a bit more practice for her controlling the bicycle downhill should have us ready for the challenges along the trail. A heart filled with gratitude generates energy for the adventures ahead. We will start slowly and build as we discover our capabilities to tackle the river trail challenges. Thankfulness lines the pathway upon which new adventures are exercised. We will discover the opportunities and the victories on this shared journey.
A chore filled day had preceded a sumptuous homemade meal for dinner. The table chatter rendered from our granddaughter bits and pieces of experiences from camp that day. Her riding escapades had taken second place to the water events with the other campers. The leisurely after dinner activities included watering the garden and harvesting the cucumbers for pickling. Reveling in her new found ability to ride her bicycle our girl mounted the new cycle and took off for a journey around the house. As I stood near the deck watching I could hardly believe my eyes as she rode down the hill straight toward a giant black walnut tree. Shouting for her to apply the brakes I watched in horror as she ran squarely into the tree. We ran to her aid as we helped her untangle herself from the forced tree hug she had engaged. With just a few scratches and a lot of her tears behind us we settled down with thankful hearts for a restful evening ahead. The experience dulled not a moment of her enthusiasm to experience the fullness of her summer adventures. After a third day of “horse camp” experiences she returned home to mount the bicycle again. This time, brakes were in full function and her joy of peddling around and around the house was fulfilled. Success is measured not by avoidance but rather by intentional engagement!
Heat and humidity consume the out of doors space now as the official days of summer are about to begin. The day’s camp supplies were packed and granddaughter’s breakfast was prepared and eagerly consumed by her before we hopped in the car for the journey to Pelham. It is deeply satisfying to see her so excited about the discoveries about to unfold for her each day. New adventures with new found friends at the camp fill her with stories to share on the journey home in the afternoon. We are ever so grateful for the opportunity to share in the life discoveries of our granddaughter. These times provide us with great joy and equip her with life long memories to recall in years to come. Ours are hearts filled with gratitude for being a part of days making memories. May your day reflect a bounty of thankfulness!
A mist hangs in the distance as an overcast sky provides containment for the moisture laden fields. Some severe storms passed through last evening from the south on their northern trekked journey. Gusts of wind and rain drenched the landscape and the garden bringing needed water and unwelcomed blows. Unsecured flower pots and light weight yard furniture became unsuspecting victims of the blows. Today presents opportunities for collecting and correcting the wayward objects from their windblown locations back to their decorative stations. A reprieve from the unseasonable heat has followed the line of storms and we give thanks for greater comfort in pursuing our restoration tasks. Experience has taught this boomer that gratitude makes the task of restoration or repair easier to endure. The load seems lighter in the presence of gratitude than under the weight of pessimism or perceived burdens. May your day be brightened in the presence of thankfulness and your burdens lightened by arms filled with gratitude!