GRATITUDE 01.08.10

I’ve made it to the end of another week. It’s been a week which in many ways, I’d just as soon forget. Yet, in the midst of the stress and frustration, I pause to find moments of gratitude.

I’m most grateful for my dear friends who in so many more ways than they even know, make my life worth living. I’m grateful for those who are so willing to be my sounding board, and support me without question or fail.

I’m grateful for the beauty of yesterday’s snow showers. Although there was no accumulation, there is something just beautiful about snowfall, especially here in Birmingham, Alabama, where winter weather of any kind is out of the norm. I’m grateful that I have a roof over my head, and a warm bed in which to sleep when there are so many that aren’t as blessed.

I’m grateful for the many hopes and dreams that are very much alive in my life. I have so many people encouraging me to follow my heart. I imagine there will have been many changes in my life a year from now. I’m grateful for the changes looming on the horizon.

Here’s my confession: There are many moments in our all our lives we’d rather forget than relive. However, if we are honest, it’s these difficult moments that define our character and make us able to deal with the things that come our way. We may not be happy in the job we have, but at least we have a job. We may not like the house where we live, but at least we have shelter. Developing an attitude of gratitude is far more productive than wallowing around in our own self-pity, self-defeat or loathing.

Each new day we are given is a present. I have so many wonderful blessings in my life. I hope I can find within me the gratitude for the blessings rather than curses for a life not lived to the fullest.