rest
As the sun sheds its cloud filtered glow from the east, the frost covered fields glisten in response. The lone plow stands rusted as it casts its shadow and unknowingly waits for the recycling heap. Its past has been fraught with red clay laden fields as it dug through the grass or leftover crops performing its task of “turning” the soil in preparation for early planting. Gone are its days of usefulness at its intended purpose and new will be its destiny as it becomes transformed into one or more useful objects at recycling. One does not grieve the giving up of the plow, but rather rejoices in the time of usefulness over so many years. Thankfulness for its utility supersedes the thoughts of its loss from the rusty metal which stands waiting midst the frost clad field. Gratitude is a strong antidote for the perception of loss with change. The day changes to night and we give thanks for the light that brightens our path. Night changes to day and we give thanks for a time where rest has been undertaken and renewal may be undertaken in its light. A hearty expression of gratitude lays a firm foundation for building a healthy new day!
A bright orange orb rises majestically over the tree tops in the east. Light bursts forth over the landscape bringing with it the joyful welcome from chirping birds and an assertive rooster. Gone is the shadow of the night and the gloomy mist that harbors the croaking of frogs in the pond. The brightness of a new day is upon us as a reminder of the gifts of life with which we are graced. Gone too are the pains of fever and movement that clouded every moment of the day before. A peaceful night’s rest and some help from an antibiotic friend render a greater view of freedom than from the gloomy captives of the day before. Full restoration has not yet arrived, but this host will welcome it with glee. Experience teaches that an overzealous reaction to a slight improvement can send one crashing back to a tedious place of symptom flares. Gratitude consumes the space in my basket of thanks that will serve as sustenance along today’s journey.
The aftermath of a painful day is like the calm after a storm. An evening of sleep was a respite to the aching battle of the day before. The intensity of the discomfort was not recognized in its midst, but rather plowed under as the day’s agenda unfolded. Pain relievers delivered a slight reprieve from the aching intensity while allowing for clouded focus on tasks at hand. Today there is relief and a desire to bask in the ache free afterglow by perching quietly in the embrace of the trusted recliner. Thankful for the release from the jail of discomfort, this detainee chooses not to discard those things that provide the greatest resource against recapture. This freedom fighter chooses to engage his routine of exercise and attention to physical activity that challenges, maintains and builds stamina. With a grateful heart this graced soul rises to the challenge in another gifted day and anticipates the new blessings that unfold. Today is yet to be discovered.