A State of Grace…Giving Thanks
When we mention giving thanks, I think that most of us think of a time, like Thanksgiving for example, where we make of point of being mindful of others and to say thank you. I learned, from a very early age (my dad is a retired pastor) to be thankful in any and every situation, especially for the little things. Over time and with age, I have learned to live in a state of gratitude, thankful for most things, most of the time.
There are so many times that I’ve been reminded of little blessings that perhaps ordinarily may go unnoticed. A recent example of this happened for me. The usual traffic light on the street I use daily never fails to catch me. I always try and hit it so that I can capture it while it is green. This day was no different in that as I was approaching, the light turned red. I signed and told myself that there is a reason I always have to stop at this light. As I thought that, extra fast, it seemed to me, green appeared. Usually I would have put my foot down to go after quickly checking both ways. This time, however, a text came through as the light changed and I glanced down at my phone first before pulling off - a split second. As I looked up to go a huge truck came careening through the very red light for him, narrowly missing my car within inches. I was left shaking as I realized that, had I not looked down for that millisecond, I would have been stone dead! I gave thanks for being spared, for that text and carried on my way.
Living on the ocean seems to have heightened this state of grace for me. Being at one with nature forces you to pay attention to your surroundings, forces you to notice the tiny little things. The birds I have named, as well as the dolphins and manatees that also call our marina home are examples. And although our lives are far from peaceful all the time (we have three grandchildren and two very busy businesses that our family run) not to mention our 2 doggies that are basically children to us too, I always start the day setting my intention, taking a moment give thanks for always having enough and just to breathe….even if its just while I wait at that darn light!
Prayer is a part of me and I, quite frankly, don’t know how people live without it. As a dear friend of mine says, it’s so comforting, much like tomato soup with a toasty grilled cheese sandwich.
Today, as I write this, we are out on the water as the corona virus COVID-19 ravages the world and I am especially thankful for the safety of our friends and family to this point. It certainly is a wake up call to many and perhaps we all needed something like this to make us realize how at times, the things we think are the most important to us, really aren't? That perhaps “Things” are not it at all. Not that I am advocating for this terrible disease, but rather to see the positive side of this thing. I told my girls to love this family time together. Make it fun. Make it festive… celebrate the little things they will do together. They may never get this chance of togetherness like this again. One of my favorite sayings is from Mayo Angelou, she said….This is a wonderful day, I’ve never seen it before!!
A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles! It forces you to think about your blessings, not your problems. The secret to having it all, is knowing you already do! I am thankful for my wonderful parents who instilled this in me and I am thankful for you, taking the time to read this!
Namaste and be blessed!
