REFLECTIONS OF GRATITUDE

I've been on vacation this week. I'm grateful for the down time. Parker and I made a quick trip to visit his brother's family in Louisiana at the beginning of the week. I'm grateful for our safe journey.

While this week has not been perhaps as productive as I had somehow hoped it would be, the thought comes to me that perhaps that is actually the point. Vacation-a time to relax, regroup, unwind. On some levels, I believe I've been able to achieve those goals.

I am grateful that my hole-in-the ceiling incident last night didn't cause any more damage to either me or the house. I went to the doctor just to be checked out, and it seems I am fine. I'm very fortunate, and indeed grateful.

I am grateful for the letter I revived from Brandee this week, and that the small hand-me-down gift I was able to send her brought her enjoyment and a bit of holiday cheer.

I'm grateful that this holiday season is almost over. Some people just don't understand my lack of enthusiasm over the holiday, while others understand all too well. I'm grateful for those who are able to celebrate the season with the childhood innocence and merriment, as well as for those, who, like me, approach the season with more dread than merriment and more contempt than celebration.

Here’s my confession: As I pause each week to reflect on my many blessings, I am constantly reminded that I have so much for which to be grateful. I am so guilty of taking the simple elements of the day-to-day for granted. The very fact that I am able to get out of bed each morning is something that many people are unable to do, yet, I don’t give it much thought. I am grateful for friends who encourage me. I am grateful for hopes and dreams and for the determination I’ve been given to follow through. I am grateful for the catharsis this blog brings to me.