GRATITUDE THOUGHTS

It is hard to believe that another week has come and gone. With this week we ushered in a new year. How much there is to be grateful for both within the year and week behind us.

Walking downtown today during my lunch hour there were several sights that really stuck with me. The first was a man with no legs, moving up the bunpy sidewalk in a wheel chair. After that man came an older lady crossing the street on her motorized scooter. As I was returning to the office, I passed an elderly gentleman with a cane, waiting for the signal to change so he could make his way across the crosswalk. These people helped me see just how fortunate I am to be able to walk, how they have overcome the obstacles placed in their lives. Their mobility may have been challenged, but they are each examples of perseverance and of something we most likely take for granted every day.

Something which may seem particularly mundane, but something for which I (and I am certain others) am/are nonetheless grateful is Miss Betty's Mac & Cheese. Betty is one if my co-workers and makes the best Mac & Cheese known to man. She brings her delicious dish to work a few times a year for special occasions. She brought some today to celebrate the birthday of one of our teammates. Without a doubt this is one of life's little pleasures.

I am grateful for a new year--a blank slate of hopes, dreams and promises. A new year, full of new opportunities for growth. Certainly tomorrow is not promised us, so I am grateful for each new day, for indeed it is a gift. I am grateful for the dawning of changes in my life and for the prospects ahead.

For the undying dedication of dear friends, who listen with open hearts and minds and offer unconditional love and support, my heart is grateful. The depths of such relationships are priceless, the support and advice are treasured. I am grateful.

Here's my confession: My pausing weekly to reflect on gratitude has really allowed me to take inventory of the people and things in my life which I perhaps far too easily take for granted. I am always grateful for those of you who take your time to read my blog and
leave comments. Thank you for accompanying me on this journey. This blog is part of my heart. I write it as much for you as I do for me.