Grateful for the Little Things

Expressing gratitude for the little things in life buoys me up when times get tough. For me, gratitude is acknowledging how blessed I am to have a warm home in which to live when so many go without.

It is for good food to eat and clean water to drink—a simple necessity of which others in the world are deprived.

It is for having good people in my life that I love and cherish; and for those who love and cherish me.

It is for books and ideas, and teachers of all sorts who inspire me to become a better person.

It is for being able to move freely about within my community and on my street, without being hassled or harassed; a gift others are denied merely because of the color of their skin or the religion they hold dear.

It is for the laughter of children playing unbridled, reminding me that we never outgrow our need for fun.

It is for dogs greeting other dogs with wiggling enthusiasm showing us that if we approach others with an open heart and willing spirit much can be gained.

It is for the trees and birds and flowers, and all creatures great and small that fill my landscape reminding me of the sublime interconnectedness of life.

It is for having a car to drive to the grocery store so that I don’t have to walk in the cold rain like the elderly woman I see from time to time pulling her full cart home.

It is for having enough clothes to wear and shoes on my feet; and for my ability to knit hats for those whose heads are bare.

It is for coffee in the morning without which I would not be fit for human interaction.

It is for celebration and holding space for those in pain.

It is for a group of wise and wonderful women who have moved me to tears and delighted me through stories shared.

It is for art and literature, and music and dance, which enlivens my body and nourishes my soul.

It is for the deep love I have for my daughter who has taught me what really matters most in life.

It is for the joy and companionship of my sweet dog, Cutie Pie, who keeps me on a very disciplined walk-treat-play schedule daily.

It is for neighbors who say ‘hi” and lend a helping hand without being asked.

And it is for all the triumphs and tragedies, the struggles and over-comings that have taught me to live with humility, faith, and compassion, for we all walk through the darkness from time to time on our way back into the light.

Above all, it is for my connection to the Divine and the unseen hands that guide me ever forward to my greater good, despite my kicking and screaming along the way.

Life is rich. Life is full. I am grateful.