GRATITUDE 11.16.08

I usually do my gratitude blog on Fridays, but for the last couple of weeks, I have neglected it. Yet, tonight, I feel the need to truly pause and reflect on those elements of my life for which I am most grateful.

In a world which is full of economic problems, war, political division and so much pain and confusion, I am grateful that I have a job, a place to live, and people who care for me.

I am grateful for those of you who read my blog on a regular basis, who check on me when I don’t blog for a few days, friends who leave comments for me and are truly invested in my life in so many ways.

Yesterday I spent almost an entire day in solitude, except for the brief period of time I had to run to pick up some items at the store. It was a great change for me, a chance to slow down and catch up on things that I’ve been neglecting around the house, a time to just be…a time to breathe, no schedule to keep. Just me, the cats and a house to clean…sounds crazy, but there is much relaxation in organizing and cleaning the house. I’m grateful for those simple moments in life.

I’m grateful to live in a country where I have the freedom to be myself. While our country has moved so forward in its acceptance of gay rights, we still have a long way to go. I don’t consider myself an activist; I do look forward to the day when sexual orientation is no longer an issue. Generations to come are going to look back at us and shake their heads wondering what the big deal was about two men or two women wanting to marry one another, much the way that we do today when we look back and realize that not too long ago, interracial marriage was not allowed.

I’m so grateful for the many friends I have in this life. There are so many rare treasures, so many wonderful, priceless gifts. I’m constantly reminded that I blessed beyond measure.

Here’s my confession: In spite of things that are going on in the world around me, I do have so many things for which to be grateful. I don’t always find the words to express my true gratitude, but my heart is full, and so is my life. I’m rich…perhaps not in my bank account, but in the people in my life and the day to day experiences of life which make life worth life.