GRATITUDE 8.29.08

Tonight I was driving home from running an errand and began thinking about what I would write in this week’s gratitude blog. Driving down I-459 I saw one thing clearly about which I’m grateful. It was the sunset. There are few things I’ve seen in life that are more beautiful than an Alabama sunset. It’s about the closest I’ve ever come to seeing the fingerprints of God.

Another thing I am grateful for is the man who works in the parking deck I use downtown. He’s an older gentleman, but I don’t know anyone who doesn’t wave at him as they leave each evening. I often wonder what his story is, but he always smiles and waves back. I don’t know his name, but it doesn’t matter. There’s just no way to not to be happy when he waves and smiles back.

As I consider the things this week that have brought me the most gratitude, there are so many things that come to mind. Mostly, though, I am grateful for life. I’m grateful that I have truly begun cracking the shell that is my comfort zone and I’m finding my voice. I’m so grateful for the progress I’m making. I feel like an absolutely new person. I’m grateful for the friends who nudged me in the direction of joining the gay men’s chorus. This is turning out to be the highlight of my week.

I’m grateful for glimmers of hope of reconciliation with my family. It’s an immensely difficult situation, but in the last month-plus, I have heard from both my mother and my Aunt. Courage will come to me in time, and the right decisions will emerge, as absolutely difficult as it is.

Here’s my confession: This week has been full of moments of absolute peace. Despite periods of indecision, I am probably the happiest I’ve ever been. This is exactly where I’ve wanted to be in my life. I’m experiencing joy, peace, contentment. Life is good, and I’m finally experiencing it, and that brings me immense gratitude.