Beauty in the blessings
It can be so easy to dismiss and disregard many things in your life. You count them as normal, habitual, expected. Why pay it a second thought? Often it isn’t until you’ve lost something that you start to truly give it value and worth - missing what was. Why is it that we don’t value everything…and every one for that matter…in each moment?
A few years ago, I was not where I am today. I was frail, sickened, unable to do the things that I can do now. During that time, I didn’t look the same, things didn’t taste the same, and my body behaved how it would without much say on my part. I questioned why and longed for the way my life and body had been before. With the challenge each day would bring, I would wish that it would be over as quickly as possible. The other thing I would do, however is thank God for still being here. I would awaken each day thankful for just being alive. I could see my husband and kids, see my dog and cats roam the house, I could sleep in my own bed and talk to my love ones. I was here. It doesn’t mean that wasn’t also saying, “When this is done…I’m going to…”; “When this passes…I’m going to…” - eyes looking forward. No, I did that a lot too cause I wanted it done. But I also cherished the fact that I was here, awake, and present each day.
As the days, months and years have passed, I’ve fallen away from the habit of gratitude. I stopped journaling my gratitude at the end of each day. I stopped saying, “Thank you Lord for waking me today.” I stopped being thankful for the day and what I have in my life getting so caught up in the hunt and the search for the next best thing, what could be, what else could I do. I’ve been so focused on what the future might bring, that I’ve forgotten to be thankful for just the single day.
I sit here writing this entry marveling in the acknowledgement that I stopped seeing the beauty in the every day blessings. I stopped noticing and cherishing the small things in life that are actually the big things; I am alive, my family is healthy and with me. I have food on my table and shelter over my head. I can move and walk and run (although very, very slowly and not far). I can read, think, learn, and grow. I can see the colors change with the seasons and smell the scent of pine, cinnamon, and pumpkin. I am blessed in being able to even consider taking the leap of faith into my future and living a life that brings me happiness, joy and peace. The point is…many of these things are there every single day. They aren’t big events, huge challenges that were overcome, obstacles to avoid. They are “small” things; things that I should be thankful for…every single day!
This doesn’t mean that I let go of envisioning my future. No, I still have my eyes on where I am going. I just make sure to look down and around me to enjoy what is present in the moment, as well. I take the time to acknowledge every single blessing in my life and say, “Thank you!” Thank you for waking me up this morning, allowing me to get out of my own bed, have breakfast with my family, laugh at that funny thing my son said, pet the cats, and spend time with my loved ones. Thank you for letting me be me and having the ability to even think about what the future might bring. And thank you for allowing me to share the blessings I have with others so that they might be able to do the same. Because it isn’t just about me. That’s the other piece of acknowledging what I have; that being able to help others is a blessing as well. If I keep all the happiness, joy and peace for myself, what good is it? It must be shared and spread amongst others.
Yes. I am grateful for what is before me today. I hope that you too are taking stock of what is before you even as you seek out more for your future. Just don’t forget to stop and appreciate the beauty in the blessings. Then…share it!