See our Privacy Policy
Δ
Gratefulness
Today I am grateful to be alive, to feel, see and know the grace and power of something we call Spirit. That alone is joy and gift enough!
Above all else I am most grateful for the “voice,” desire, or attraction I had to date a teenaged girl over fifty years ago who became my wife and continues still for forty-six years and counting. I am especially grateful to the mentors in my life who encouraged me to become a Quaker many years ago. And I am grateful that I pursued my own leading to seek a career in social work and ministry to children and families some four decades ago.
Water!
The deepest motivating force in my life is to be open to the promptings and call of the Holy Spirit.
This is an intriguing question. It’s a bit early in my day for me to have any idea who may need my patience today. But the question, standing alone, is a good one for me to ponder. I might say to myself when interacting with others today, well of course I would offer them my patience, but do I really, and always? I know in my heart that it might depend on the situation, or the person and the issue at hand, which for me in light of today’s question begs the question, why?
First and foremost I am thankful for my relationships among my family members. Close behind would be my Quaker community followed by my rowing team and the wider rowing club beyond. In all this, I cannot forget the one who greets me first when I arrive home, with tail wagging, our dog Gracie. She may be blind, but she sees it all!
When I think of it, which doesn’t happen often enough, I think about the food I am eating at any given moment, its texture, taste, where it came from, who worked to harvest it and how it arrived on my plate. That helps me to appreciate and be grateful for what I am eating and to receive it as a gift. And speaking of food, my wife, Betty Ann, is a terrific cook and I find myself saying “thank you” to her regularly for the meals that she creates for us both. Just saying “thank you” wh...
When I think of it, which doesn’t happen often enough, I think about the food I am eating at any given moment, its texture, taste, where it came from, who worked to harvest it and how it arrived on my plate. That helps me to appreciate and be grateful for what I am eating and to receive it as a gift. And speaking of food, my wife, Betty Ann, is a terrific cook and I find myself saying “thank you” to her regularly for the meals that she creates for us both. Just saying “thank you” whenever and however food arrives, at home, in a restaurant, or receiving a slice from an apple from a friend, that act of being thankful in itself can serve as a prayer of thanksgiving. – Kevin
Staying with my breath like this makes me feel wonderful. Depending on what time of day I do this, it would also make me feel that it’s time to take a nap.
On the contrary! I appreciate fully, hour-by-hour, the fact that I am alive today! Besides, when you get to a certain age and realize that you’re taking all kinds of steps to protect the health that you have by taking care of your body, taking your medicine and taking care of your mind, it would be silly not to appreciate the fact that I, and you, are still here! Thus far, I have had the good fortune to be able to walk out of every funeral home that I’ve visited. Someday, I’ll have a lo...
On the contrary! I appreciate fully, hour-by-hour, the fact that I am alive today! Besides, when you get to a certain age and realize that you’re taking all kinds of steps to protect the health that you have by taking care of your body, taking your medicine and taking care of your mind, it would be silly not to appreciate the fact that I, and you, are still here! Thus far, I have had the good fortune to be able to walk out of every funeral home that I’ve visited. Someday, I’ll have a long time to be dead, so for now, I’m liking it here and I appreciate fully the fact that I have this day to live. – Kevin
Honestly, I feel that I am currently practicing a healthy level of gratitude hour-by-hour in my life. There are moments when I am humbled and astonished by the everyday richness of my own life; which compels me to create and give of my time for the benefit of others. It seems to me that gratefulness, and to whatever degree, serves mainly the self. I want my own experience of gratefulness to have legs and feet that can travel to get things done that serve the common good in whatever way that o...
Honestly, I feel that I am currently practicing a healthy level of gratitude hour-by-hour in my life. There are moments when I am humbled and astonished by the everyday richness of my own life; which compels me to create and give of my time for the benefit of others. It seems to me that gratefulness, and to whatever degree, serves mainly the self. I want my own experience of gratefulness to have legs and feet that can travel to get things done that serve the common good in whatever way that opens. – Kevin
Well, it depends on which encounters and experiences we’re talking about. Oftentimes having a general sense of what to expect when we find ourselves in certain situations is necessary in order to arrive at a desired outcome. Otherwise, why would we bother to engage in the first place? For example, today I will meet with a man whom I have never met who refinishes tile floors. I am assuming he will be professional and courteous and I expect to receive a reasonable estimate from him to refinis...
Well, it depends on which encounters and experiences we’re talking about. Oftentimes having a general sense of what to expect when we find ourselves in certain situations is necessary in order to arrive at a desired outcome. Otherwise, why would we bother to engage in the first place? For example, today I will meet with a man whom I have never met who refinishes tile floors. I am assuming he will be professional and courteous and I expect to receive a reasonable estimate from him to refinish the tile floors in our Quaker community house.
When it comes to entering emotional and personal experiences, however, my practice is simple: I keep my expectations low and my hopes high. This has always served me well.
If given the chance, love brightens dark places, opens heavy doors and softens our journey through life.
Advancing age is calling me to be fearless. Considering the available options, why not? 🙂
What matters most to me? My family, my faith, my life and my fellow human beings
Seven sisters?! Wow! Now there’s a table at Thanksgiving!
Thanks Joanne. Well, one could say, in keeping with the food motif, that I for one know which side of the bread my toast is buttered on! But seriously, I am truly very lucky, as my wife enjoys creating great meals. I am the master dish boy, the clean-up guy, we have a partnership! –My best to you, Kevin
Hello Palm, Well, I’m glad that I lightened up the workplace with a little death talk! Ha! 🙂
Greetings Gina, this is beautiful. Thank you.
Thanks, Barbara, I actually haven’t heard that quote before, so thanks for it, and your thoughts here. Cheers! -Kevin
Amen to that, Sheila!
I’d feel the same way if I had said that too. But, I’m aware that there are ways to make peace with one’s pain, and I think that I need a serious workshop or weekend retreat on that! Thanks, Peace and Joy to you!
Stay connected to the community by adding people to your list.
This site is brought to you by A Network for Grateful Living, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax deductible in the U.S.A.
© 2000 - 2025, A Network for Grateful Living
Website by Briteweb
