In the past I have attended weekend retreats that use this concept as a theme, and I’ve used it also with youth retreats that I have led over the years, so this is something I ponder quite often. I think most often about all the workers; farmers, field hands, ranchers, fishermen and all those who help to bring what will be nourishment from its source to my table. There is so much to be grateful for, even the ability to buy the food that keeps me alive. Many cannot.

By being present, listening fully, making eye contact, and meeting people “where they are” in that particular moment without judgment.

I don’t seek qualities in a person I call my friend. I seek shared connection and compatibility and I am grateful indeed for that.

Why would I care what people might think when I express my gratefulness, no matter how robustly? I would be sharing the good news, a blessing and source of joy. It’s an invitation for those within earshot to be happy.

Follow through and loose the 15 pounds I am working on, keep rowing and keep going to the gym!

A wonderful Quaker woman named Ruth Martucci, long since passed away, was and still continues to be a role model of contentment, action and purpose for me in my day-to-day living. I can’t think of any other person on the planet I would rather be like than by dear friend Ruth Martocci.

I have long been aware that when I was working with people in a professional capacity, the longer my pause was before I responded to a particular situation the better the outcome was for everyone involved. In my personal life, however, there is always room for improvement in this department!

How am I treating the world today? With Cautious optimism, prayer and hope.

I have a fair amount of photographic equipment and some of which I really don’t know how to use to its fullest. A couple of months ago I enrolled myself in a new online photo course offering advanced techniques. It is paying off, even though I’m only part-way through the course itself. Even though I’ve been doing photography for nearly 40 years, it’s important to get out of my comfort zone and try some new approaches to the craft.

Nature offers me practically everything, including life itself.

I am grateful for many, many things. But at this hour I am grateful for the new day rising that arrived “just-in-time” for me to wake and experience it.

Today’s question seems ready-made to respond as follows: Today my wife and I are taking our six grandchildren to Boston to see Blue Man Group, which was our Christmas gift to them all this year. We try to give them an experience instead of the more usual Christmas gifts that children typically receive in the U.S. It’s a gift of art, of sound, mime, color and humor that we’re certain that they will enjoy.

If I accept, which I do, that gratefulness and respect are words that hold a high value, are positive in meaning and describe a desired state of being within the English language, then it makes sense that each can relate to the other.

I feel most generous when I perceive of a need unmet or hear the words, “Can you help?”

So very, very True, Aine. And in the US where I live, our present US Administration has painted a consistent negative image of migrant workers that is totally unfair, false, and at times cruel.

Thank you, Niels, I’ll try and track that down….and happy New Year to you!

Happy New Year, Antoinette!

Hello Deb….Happy New Year’s to you and yours! I don’t recall the book you mention, but I am going to check it out right now in fact! Thanks very much.

Thanks for your comment, Cintia. It was truly a grand and fun-filled day! I will say too that Grampa and Gramma were rather pooped the following day! Ha!