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!
By intentionally slowing down in the late afternoon and watching the longer shadows as the sun slowly sets. That’s a special time of day and I sometimes don’t even notice it. As a retiree, I just need to pay attention, grab the time and go plant myself in a good spot to watch and listen. – Kevin
Of wonder: I have awoken to feel and see the arrival of a brand new day!; I will walk, then ride in a car, then float in a boat made for six and for fun in just one hour; The machine that I type on is a gift and a miracle.
Of Gratitude: I can sip my tea in peace; I have a home; I have a life.
I will need to give this some thought. My personal way of being in the world is to address the wrongs that come across my path now and then as they happen. I’m not a crusader or firebrand type of individual who takes aim, for example, at a social ill and then sets a course to “right” it. Besides, at 4:15 in the morning, it’s hard to find anything to get worked up about! By nine this morning I may have a list.
This simple little question is interesting. I seldom, if ever, think in terms of what I might be able to teach others. I think in terms of what it is about myself, or what I possess, that I can share or give to others. And while I have lived my whole life working with people, running programs and leading others in various projects, I never considered myself a teacher, either. I share what I know, what I have seen and what I have experienced. But that’s not teaching. It’s different.
I have enormous respect for people who do teach and who teach well. I admire their focus and passion for their subject and being invested in imparting their knowledge onto whomever is listening and wanting to learn.
At sixty-seven years old, I experience feelings of gratefulness for my body each and every day; gratefulness for all the body parts that continue to work; gratefulness for the diseases I have avoided to date; and I remain especially grateful that my body, for the most part, carries out what my mind desires it to do, from tackling a task, to finding where I left my Tylenol. – Kevin
Goodness, I am sitting here stumped, realizing that I cannot recall anyone I have met recently that I would consider a “gem.” Not sure what that says about me, actually! Perhaps I need new friends or I need to expand my horizons, or just stop being so darn content with all my interactions with people in general? I guess all the people in my life at the moment just sparkle and glow without being “hidden!”
Anytime that I am on the water in any kind of craft, raft, row boat, power or sailboat, or sitting atop a jetty as the surf rolls in and out, the sights, sounds and smells calms and humbles me immediately.
I especially cherish my (very) early morning time for writing, reading and reflection.
Today’s question is very similar to the 9/20 and 9/24 Daily Questions. And for me in terms of a meaningful reflection the answers to those questions covers today’s question as well.
The greatest “fullness” of my life thus far is: I love a terrific woman; have raised a family; have a faith to practice; enjoyed a meaningful career; have passions still to pursue; and I get continue living among family and friends into yet another day.
Well, my mind and my heart, I believe, are already open well enough, but the challenging situation that I continue to struggle with personally involves my own physical limitations, at least to a degree. While my back surgery was very successful some four months ago, I still deal with Sacroiliac Joint pain which was not a part of the surgery I had and is a condition that cannot be “fixed” with surgery. The more I do physically, the more “SI” joint pain I endure. I remain quite active p...
Well, my mind and my heart, I believe, are already open well enough, but the challenging situation that I continue to struggle with personally involves my own physical limitations, at least to a degree. While my back surgery was very successful some four months ago, I still deal with Sacroiliac Joint pain which was not a part of the surgery I had and is a condition that cannot be “fixed” with surgery. The more I do physically, the more “SI” joint pain I endure. I remain quite active physically for a 67 year old man, for which I am grateful, but also find out quickly when I’ve done too much!
I would love to take off and assist the victims of recent floods and hurricanes, for example, but I know that my own needs would quickly impede my ability to be fully present to others. So for now I continue to consider how I can offer the skills that I have that might be useful to others who are in need beyond my doorstep. – Kevin
I would share, as I try to do now, whatever it is that I have that might be of use in some way to others.
You make a good point, Patjos. I think that I would likely answer today’s question quite differently on other days too.
Beautiful image here. Thank you.
And how! Have a splendid day, Aine.
Amen to this! We…the early birds!
I love this, “I cherish the practice of stop, look and go which help me anchor grace and gratitude in daily life.” 🙂
Thanks, Aine, I too have found Acupuncture helpful for that pain too, including soft tissue massage as well. I’ve also had a series of fancy nerve blocks on he SI joint nerves too called radio frequency ablation which relieves pain for 6-9 months. But I need to wait a bit before having that done done again until they’re sure everything is calmed down from the May 30 surgery. So we’ll see! Thank you.
Oh Antoinette, of course you are maxed to the hilt right now with all that you are handling. For decades, I’ve worked with families, mainly children and their moms, who were going through divorce. And it was always, almost without exception, the moms and the children within their households , who struggled mightily through the throws of divorce. It is not easy, and it takes time, and with that time, it does get better…though too darn slowly. I think I still have some info on my si...
Oh Antoinette, of course you are maxed to the hilt right now with all that you are handling. For decades, I’ve worked with families, mainly children and their moms, who were going through divorce. And it was always, almost without exception, the moms and the children within their households , who struggled mightily through the throws of divorce. It is not easy, and it takes time, and with that time, it does get better…though too darn slowly. I think I still have some info on my site regarding coping with divorce and single parenting and can sent those to you if you want. Your plate is full enough, and I gently suggest that you should feel able to leave today’s question for others to pick up who are not carrying the load that you are right now. Hang in there my friend…it does get better, with time.
I value your words here, Antoinette. And I pray that your days become lighter and lighter. And while I too trust life, I do so also knowing where it harbors its shadows. Wishing you a Light-filled day my friend.
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