sun
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!
Sun streams brightly through the bamboo shades illuminating the library den in our Florida condo. Soon we will be handing over the keys to the new owners who have fallen in love with the location and décor and want to make it their own. As we sit quietly contemplating the many blessings for which we are thankful, we are consumed with gratitude. The newest blessing has been the arrival of granddaughter Londyn Rose, who has brightened our lives even greater than that sun streaming through the blinds. Strong and healthy, she has begun her days of adaptation, learning, change, and discovering the gift that is life itself. As she physically matures we all who love her will have the opportunity to demonstrate the love that knows no boundaries; the one from the giver of life Himself! Today, gratitude is the newborn child, wrapped in her warm blanket and held in the arms of her loving parents!
Bright in the western sky the full moon illuminates the landscape with its white glow. Simultaneously, the sun gives of a faint orange hue as it begins its emergence over the hills to the east. All seems still and quiet on this frost laden day at the farm. A lone mockingbird sounds her alarm as freshly split wood is gathered for the old cast iron stove giving warmth to the sitting room. Miss Gracie, the golden lies regally facing this grateful soul as I attempt to capture these moments in words. As the heat permeates the room and light begins its ascent this day is filled with awe at the beauty of the Master’s hand. His creation inspires and ignites the waking heart to a place of thankfulness for the opportunity that waits to be uncovered. Here, in the still and engulfing presence of a grace filled God another day of discovering the depth of that grace and love unfolds. Gratitude abounds as we give thanks for the feast that is life in the presence of the Master Crafter.
The bright orange glow just above the treetops in the eastern horizon gave evidence to the rising sun. Warm water gave up its steamy mist in the presence of freezing air over the pond. Grass and leaves sparkled in the light of the season’s first frost. Just two days after reverting clocks back to their standard time, the hint of winter has made its mark. Life shows its seasons in nature and in experience. As a child I dreaded the change from summer to fall, then winter. Now I am thankful for having the opportunity of living in the presence of another season where gratitude may blossom. The fullness of life is not diminished by physical impediments when experienced in the face of grace infusing each moment. As this mortal contemplates the beauty of his surroundings he is filled with the inspiration that comes only in the presence of his creator whose connection to and within each moment brings peace. May your day be filled with gratitude in the light of the Master’s grace!
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.
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.
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
The day has begun with a bright and intense sun glowing over the horizon. Accompanying the intense orb is a level of humidity greater than ninety percent. A venture out of the air conditioned and artificial climate of the abode renders one soaked in one’s own fluid as though venturing through a rain forest. Just a few days ago it was cooler and dryer than the norm and pleasant to be enjoying nature’s embrace. In a short few days the forecast calls for yet another reprieve from the intensity of the heat and humidity that zaps energy and multiplies the use of the shower nozzle. Whether hot and humid or cooler and dryer, we give thanks for the opportunity to be enjoying the presence of the Creator’s love. As we ponder the troubled world experienced by so many, we pray for individuals to know the peace that defies understanding when lived in the presence of the giver of grace.
The outline of the giant full moon shone grandly in the eastern sky. On the western front, the sun was setting behind the hills. Nature was showing herself to possess both day and night; light and darkness. One usually thinks in terms of one or the other but rarely does one ponder the presence of both. Rarely do we entertain the thought of wellness and disease (function and dysfunction) existing in the same plane, yet it is obvious that they do. There is the virtual constancy of death and new life on the biochemical and microbiological level. As function is perched on the precipice of dysfunction, the body is working to repair and or replace the faltering member. It only makes sense to fortify wellness so that the dis-ease that might amass may be dealt a swift blow and the forward moving fluid of the healing dance of life might be sustained. A grateful heart and mind help bring light in which the work of repair and replacement may be undertaken. The presence of desire does not preclude the presence of thankfulness – they may both exist in the same moment. May your world be enriched by the nutrients of gratitude as your desire for an abundance of thankfulness illuminates your day!
The sun is bright and the temperature is rising. Flowers are growing and the fruit trees are blooming. Grass is getting greener and the chickens are feasting and producing eggs like never before. Springtime is claiming its right after a bone chilling winter. Forecasters predict yet another visit of winds and rain from the climes of the north, but for every practical purpose, winter has finally passed. With the plentiful propagation of new blooms and greening grasses comes pollen passed on in the air that finds its way to waiting nostrils. Sneezes and watering eyes give further evidence that spring is in full bloom in the Tar Heel State! Through eyes wet with drops of tears this thankful soul watches nature’s door open to the presence of spring and welcomes it joyfully.