But what about those who live alone? An email or phone call might be the way to go. In fact, I’m going to email a couple of friends right now.
I shared with a friend the morning habit my husband and I have of offering to each other something for which we are grateful. Sometimes a small thought—a cup of coffee. Other times an obvious gratitude—friends and family. Often a particular happening—a chance encounter with a friend. My husband and I usually exchange just a sentence. My friend and her spouse take the time to discuss their gratitudes. Those are two of the many ways, but regardless, the daily habit and the offering are sacred.
But what about those who live alone? An email or phone call might be the way to go. In fact, I’m going to email a couple of friends right now.
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I have much for which to be very grateful. On the top of today’s list is my son, born forty-eight years ago. He had to remind me of the number. Next, I’m grateful that my church is giving me the opportunity his evening to serve at Rosie Place, a woman’s shelter in Boston. Besides the three that my mom offered up every day—health, family and life, I am grateful that I know God. That totals six. Since I always offer seven, the last is often some small and seemly inconsequential. Of course, no gratitude in trivial, but today my seventh is huge. I’m grateful that my minister and his family are home safely after pilgrimage to Iona. I’ve taken a little blogging time off, and due to the July 4th festivities, I’ll probably be taking some more in the next few days. Family is arriving and then poof, they will depart by the 6th. My mom told me that every morning she expressed gratitude for her family, her health and her life situation. I try to do the same. Not a bad way to start the day! Every since our kids were young, July 4th has been our best family holiday. Nothing like local New England parading right by our house, attracting kids and grandkids to return to the ‘homestead’. When the kids were in grade school we had an antique fire engine that we, family and friends, rode in the parade. I continue to be very grateful for all the freedom I have. I’m in Edinburgh, my second full day here--very grateful. This morning, lying in bed after a long catch-up sleep from travel, my list of gratitudes flowed easily—eventless travel, an afternoon wandering about the city with my niece, a welcoming by Maria and Edward, the proprietors of Adria House where I stay, a day by myself visiting St. Cuthbert Parish Burial Grounds, St. John’s Church, and New Town, and the anticipation of my visit today with my high school friend, Eileen. More later, but I must get going on the sunny day. (Just returned from my day. Very grateful.) One hundred five years ago my mom was born. What became clear to me as I accompanied her during her final years, and as I finished writing about her in Very Grateful, is that Mom’s entire life was filled with gratitude. As I move on, I become more and more aware that gratitude is one of the cornerstone of Christian faith, with love being the foundation of it all. What if, throughout our day, we expressed gratitude for all that passes our way? Here’s my list for today, and it is only mid-morning: I’m grateful that I didn’t hit the deer by the side of the road early this morning, that I didn’t run out of eggs for breakfast, that I heard from a friend I’d been thinking about, that I had a good night’s sleep, that I have time to write this, and that I’m having lunch with a long-time friend today. Here’s yesterday’s gratitude walk. My grandson is participating in a service project in Nicaragua next week as part of his high school program. Admittedly he doesn’t know all the feelings and responses he will experience, but he aware of his fortunate lot in life, and that he will probably feel a great deal of sadness at what he sees. Can we feel gratitude without guilt? I have to say yes, but it is a challenge. God wants us to be surrounded with light, but God also wants us to feel compassion for those who experience sadness. Living in poverty is unarguably a sadness but I’m thinking that one way to feel light is to help remove sadness. Gratitude is a prayer backed by action. I’m on the plane, finally* on my way home, thinking about the many prayer blessings of this trip. Immediately the benefit of time comes to mind since I had no obligations, nor anyone to be with except God. There were the sacred places for prayer, namely churches, ancient streets and gardens; there was the all the art for contemplation; there were the cafes and libraries for writing. Dare I mention the food that fed my mind, body spirit? Each time I return from one of my solitary trips, I wonder if it will be the last. I want to keep traveling, but at age 75 I am beginning to accept that issues of stamina and health will eventually slow me down. Regardless, in response to the question the Brothers of Saint John the Evangelist asked in their Lenten series, I can say, “Yes, I am content; I have enough.” Another area that I’ve come to terms with is a fantasy to live abroad, particularly in Florence or on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Again, “I am content. I have enough.” I can do God’s work NOW, wherever I find myself, not where I think I’d like to be. * If you want to know why I say finally, check out my cottagebythesea blog. P.S. I’m posting this the day after I got home. Maybe I’ll stay sick. I have a cough and fever, which makes me feel extremely logy but not so awful that I feel dying won’t be so bad after all. All I want to do is rest with my eyes closed, which immediately brings me to meditation--feel the breath, in and out. My mind is still, and so I’m grateful for this gift of God’s presence. I am aware that with severe illness pain, fear and anger can take over and push God away. So let me cherish this moment, learn from it and carry it forward to whatever life brings. Today I return to 'Very Grateful'. I am wearing the light pink Carpe Diem t-shirt that my nieces had made for the family for Mom's memorial service. My morning coffee is in my "Book Woman" mug. I will be writing in the front room where I keep all of Mom's papers. I have faith that I will know what to say. In fact, during this week of waiting and listening to how God wants me to proceed, I have heard that this is a book about faith, and specifically about Mom’s faith that inspired mine. Woke up without much energy this morning. After lying in bed for an extra fifteen minutes, something I hardly ever do, I got up and started packing for our trip to visit our daughter in Pennsylvania. I got dressed: “So, God, what is all this about? Why am I feeling enervated on a day with such a positive plan?” I poured a cup of coffee: “Your job is to express my kingdom on earth. You have plenty of opportunities to do that today.” I made the sandwiches: “Very grateful, God.” |
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