possibilities
The western sky was ablaze with the setting sun peeking through the covey of storm clouds passing by. We stood in front of the restaurant as we waited for the rest of the family who were near to arrive and took in the beauty of that early evening display of nature’s artistry. Seventy years of life was the cause of celebration as the family gathered inside a private room in that Southside Virginia restaurant that evening. Thrilled that pain had chosen not to visit in several days, this possessor of Parkinson’s took in the sight of each family member attending this celebration with eyes filled with gratitude for their presence. Babies glowing in the light of adult attention and adults sharing memories from days gone by that can only touch the surface of a lifetime of recollection filled the room with the warmth of familiarity and appreciation. I don’t remember that Sunday in 1946 when I made the way from my mother’s womb to her arms, but I am so thankful for the moments of experiencing life that have touched my heart and memory, sparking the flame of thankfulness for the union of gametes that joined to offer up the fortunate soul I experience as me. The kaleidoscope of human emotions is set free in the experiences that have blessed the past seventy years and I am forever grateful that faith, hope, and love have lighted the pathway, even during the times when my eyes were closed. That pathway of possibilities reveals itself in the glow of gratitude ignited by those three remaining life support systems; faith, hope, love! By the grace of God, there seems to be even more of the pathway to discover!
Ripples on the pond reflect the glow of the rising sun as dawn breaks from the east. The bright full moon still glows as it appears to descend upon the trees in the west. The cycle of night into day has made its way across the horizon and the presence of life bustles all around. Gone are the cares of yesterday as the screen of today is refreshed in the seeming newness of life. The Bible verse, Psalm 118:24 rings out “This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.” Today, right now is the time to live in gratitude for another opportunity in the world of potentially endless possibilities. Today is the day that the words of Horatio Spafford come alive: “What ever my lot, Though has taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.” Gratitude is the fuel that propels the engine of faith. May this day make the best use of your vehicle!
The sun streams gently through the morning mist as it marks the dawning of a new autumn day. The smell of hardwood burning in the cast iron stove permeates the air with its sweet fragrance. Freshly brewed coffee being sipped with pursed lips that long to take in the savory rendering gives rise to thoughts and feelings of gratitude for the gift of another day. The cares and concerns of yesterday seem distant in the light of today’s possibilities. Before an agenda formulates and activities overtake, moments of dwelling in the quiet place with the Master as the mind recollects, rejoices, and renews, prove to be the underpinnings of the path forward. Whatever the day unfolds, one prays to be reminded that the Master who meets in the quiet place is present even in the scurry of hurried steps.
The cool northeast breeze brushed our sleepy but excited faces as we strolled eastward on the rock strewn beach toward the sunrise. In just a few hours our lives would forever change. We leisurely strolled back toward our house as we expressed excitement and thankfulness for what was about to unfold. The drive to the airport in New York is now a distant blur. That journey had taken place so many times before, but that day it was not toward a destination; it was toward a beginning. The flight was posted as being on time for arrival and we watched eagerly as the plane descended on the runway and made its approach to the gate. As the stream of passengers exited the jet way, there appeared a lady carrying a tiny woven basket in which lay a sleeping cherub we had named Jahan Matthew. Just six weeks old and less than eight pounds this treasure had come to us from India. As we held him and showered him with kisses he smiled broadly as he surveyed his parents and returned to his peaceful repose. That day in May of 1985, marked the beginning of many blessings that we have shared in the years since. That which began as seeking possibilities toward our goal as family has rendered many years of sustaining blessings. Love is the substance that fuels the engine that transforms possibilities into blessings and blessings into a heart of gratitude that can never be worn out.