Gratitude365

I’m grateful for finding “community” everywhere, in both the real world and the virtual. There are so many opportunities to be a part of something, if I so choose, and I am grateful for that freedom. Being a part of something—as opposed to being apart from it—makes life worth living. At least, that’s how I see it. What makes the experience even sweeter is that I don’t have to remain in any one place to reap the rewards of being a part of something, which is great because I’m a full-time RVer and “home is where we park it.” Even so, opportunities to participate in life are endless, and they’re everywhere.

Even if I’m uncertain as to what will become of my involvement (as was the case when I joined the Bible study group here at this RV resort), I’m grateful for the willingness to step outside my comfort zone and find out. This particular group consists of all women and they welcomed me warmly, which made me want to keep going each week. It’s a blessing to be wanted.

If I want to be informed and know what’s going on, I have to put my self out there. It pays off. “Shingles” were the topic of conversation the other day, and I listened to one horror story after another. As a result, I’ve already gotten my first dose of the vaccine. I’m grateful to listen to those who have experience.

I recently returned to social media after a self-imposed 2+ year hiatus brought on by my disgust with the intolerant cancel-culture. It was a positive move since I have a very addictive personality and was spending too much time on it anyway. In the time I was away, I found there was never a lack of something else to do, and I learned I could do without social media connectivity just fine. Now I’m limiting the time I spend on Facebook; I’m grateful to be able to self-regulate.

Time away also made me more selective about friends I have and groups I join. Inadvertently, I discovered how to get hundreds of ‘likes,’ if that was someone’s motive, and that’s to join groups with a particular focus. I joined two wildflower groups because I’m so enamored with them, posted a few photos of bluebonnets and, oh my! So many likes and comments! I wasn’t expecting such an overwhelming, supportive response, but the support and encouragement made me grateful to be a part of this group. Generally speaking, I’m grateful to be back on Facebook.

The metalworker encourages the goldsmith, and the one who smooths with the hammer spurs on the one who strikes the anvil. One says of the welding, “It is good.” The other nails down the idol so it will not topple. ~Isaiah 41:7

I’m grateful for my old friends—‘old’ as in ‘age,’ not the length of our friendship. They are active and vital and inspirational. They are perceptive, quick and often hilarious without meaning to be. Each one of them has enriched my life in a way that’s hard to explain; all I know is that there’s something about them that I want to emulate.

One of my old friends is 80; this winter we are neighbors at the RV resort. Yesterday she asked me to go with her to a local resale shop she’d never been to before to take a bag of donations. She drove (a Ford F150, and very well at that) and did a great job parking. She uses a walker, so I adjust my pace accordingly. She’s good for me in that regard. We shopped and both took home something. That was an hour and a half well spent.

This morning, in the middle of my devotionals, I thought of a friend back in Hopkinsville. When something random like that happens, I take it as a spiritual nudge to act. So I did. I looked her up in my contacts, intending to text her a “Hey, I’m thinking about you!” message, but my thumb accidentally pressed her phone number instead of the text icon. I immediately caught my mistake and cancelled the call even before it went through. Or so I thought. My old friend called me back.

At first the conversation was awkward because it’s been years since we’ve talked. We are the most UNlikely of friends: she is always in style, dressed to the nines, always put together. I don’t even wear make-up. But within a minute or less, we connected and had a great conversation. We reminisced about the last time we were together—a Dwight Yoakum concert, of all things. I told her I’d be there in May, and we promised we’d try to get together then. I’d love that.

Besides these, I am blessed to have lots of other old friends. When I was young and naive and stupid, I feared getting old. I associated ‘age’ with the ability to enjoy life. I couldn’t have been further off base.

My old friends have inspired me to keep on keeping on at whatever it is that I love, because that will keep me young. I’m grateful for the blessing of having these wonderful old women in my life.

They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, ~Psalm 92:14

On a bike ride along the water’s edge yesterday, I came upon a vacant lot covered with bluebonnets. What a sight to behold, and certainly a moment to be grateful for. It was completely unexpected, since the area is mostly one waterfront home after another. Except for this one lot💙The bluebonnets have just begun popping up, and even locals are amazed at their early arrival. I just feel blessed to be able to be here to see them. Bluebonnets make me happy.

Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ²⁸ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! ~ Luke 12:27-28

Today is the last day of February and I just returned from a bike ride on the beach. It was rather windy, as it usually is here, but the sun was shining and it was a glorious day. Being able to spend the winter somewhere warm is a blessing I’m grateful for every day. I admit, I’ve gotten spoiled.

I’m grateful for having twice lived on a boat and all the adventures that crazy lifestyle brought. I’m grateful for being a full-time RVer now. Most of all, I’m grateful for all the people I’ve met throughout all the years I’ve traveled. They’ve enriched my life.

To travel is to live. ~Hans Christian Andersen

If it weren’t for the daily practice of expressing gratitude, I’m certain I would have lost my temper with my pup when she barfed all over the bed at 1 a.m. this morning. The bed whose sheets I’d just changed just hours before.

I’d be lying if I said I accepted the unfortunate event with a smile. I was highly irritated, to say the least. But a funny thing happened while I was stripping the bed (and making a dramatic production out of it, I might add.) I thought, This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. I am not kidding.

How weird is that? I am the last one to automatically think of a Biblical passage at a time like this, but that’s exactly what happened, and all I could do was laugh. I’m sure my husband, still groggy from being rousted from a sound sleep, thought I was insane.

Really, God? You made this day just for me? Thanks, I guess.

I’m not sure how or why, but my attitude changed from being really ticked off to just plain Acceptance. After all, it was what it was, and no amount of angst on my part was going to change anything.

Incredibly, I was able go go back to sleep for a few hours and wake up fully rested. Plus, I’ve already been to the laundromat and back. It’s still mid-morning, and I have what’s left of a beautiful, sunny day to enjoy. Given it’s already been a series of unexpected events, I can’t wait to see what else the day might hold. I’m grateful for the day the Lord has made.

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. ~2 Corinthians 4:15

This morning I went to an AA meeting, my first in-person meeting in some time. I hadn’t planned on going; truly, it must have been a Divine nudge. And if it’s one thing I’ve learned in recovery, it’s to pay attention to those inner prompts and most importantly, to act. The thought came. I checked the online schedule and saw there was a 9:00 meeting. There was plenty of time to get ready and drive into town. In other words, there was no excuse for not going.

Going to an AA meeting someplace new is always an adventure. Every clubhouse is different superficially, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts, and that’s constant. There, one is unconditionally accepted; so much so that one feels ‘at home.’ And indeed, it is so. I knew I wouldn’t know a single soul by name, but I knew them just the same. Such is the joy of AA fellowship.

My prayer each morning is for my ‘self’ to be removed so that I can do the next right thing (aka, “God’s will). This morning it led me to an AA meeting. Turns out, it was right where I was supposed to be.

Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. ~Proverbs 23:33

Missing an exit on the highway and driving a little out of the way the other day proved to be a God-wink as we passed a patch of bluebonnets gracefully carpeting a swath of highway median. What an unexpected blessing! For one thing, late February is early for bluebonnets to be appearing and, two, I didn’t know they even grew near the coast! “Oh, yes,” my backseat passenger commented. “You should see all of them in the cemetery.”

Sometimes I am awed by the seeming happenstance of events; I wouldn’t have seen the bluebonnets if not for missing the exit, and my friend probably wouldn’t have mentioned bluebonnets growing in the cemetery if we hadn’t seen them in the first place. Sometimes I have to chuckle at the mysterious ways in which God acts through us, and I’m grateful for the awareness.

Unsurprisingly, the knowledge that bluebonnets were in bloom and that they were prolific in the local cemetery hastened a trip there yesterday. To be among such wild beauty in such a solemn setting was so serene. So spiritual. Photos can’t even begin to do it justice, but I took some anyway.

I’m grateful that nature instantaneously lifts my spirits…for the surprise of an early bloom…and for the abundance of beautiful wildflowers. I’m grateful for the signs of spring, renewal and rebirth I’m witnessing all around me. The best is yet to come.

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. ~Luke 6:38

I wish I could explain the drastic change I have felt within myself recently because it’s been palpable. First it was buying a Bible a few months ago. Then it was reading it most every morning. Three weeks ago I attended my first Bible study. Now I’m working at forgiving someone I thought I hated. So unlike me. All I can say is, God works in mysterious ways.

I could never begin to list all the life lessons I’ve learned—and continue to learn—as a byproduct of recovery, but one is to be open to possibilities. None of the above was considered a year today; today, they’re among the first things I do everyday. It’s so unlike me.

Like potter’s clay, I am being molded, and I’m not even going to consider how or what I’ll turn out to be. All I know is that, day by day, changes for my betterment are happening. I can feel it, it feels good, and like any alcoholic or addict—whether in recovery or not—I want more of it.

So, whether I want to or not, I will keep on keeping on. Keep reading the Word. Keep going to Bible study. Keep working on forgiveness. I have nothing to lose except my self, which would probably be a good thing.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ~Jeremiah 29:11-13

I don’t know who James Clear is, but the words force yourself jumped out at me this morning. Finding a gratitude topic that resonates enough to make me want to write about it, and then an appropriate corresponding image to go with it, has been an important part of my early morning regimen for months now. The practice steers my general focus, so if I haven’t awakened particularly grateful, I soon am. Along the way I’ve discovered that I can’t be grateful and hateful at the same time. You see, I am working on forgiving someone I thought I hated because of the tremendous pain he has and is inflicting on people I love.

I’m only on the third day of forcing myself to do what the Big Book of AA suggests as a way of dealing with resentments, and that’s to pray for this person’s happiness and prosperity. I’m grateful for the caveat of not having to be sincere, because at this point I’m not. But I sense my hard facade cracking.

I’m grateful for sobriety because now I have no excuses for harboring ill will. Now I realize it’s a mental choice, not the emotional reaction I thought I was entitled to.

I’m grateful for the lightness in my heart that I’m sensing. I’m grateful for finally understanding that mentally and emotionally sick people, such as the one in my life, are exactly the people that Jesus said to love.

So, it’s probably a good idea to force myself to practice what Jesus preached because good begets good. And there can never be too much of that.

Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, ~Proverbs 8:10

As if he read my mind, the president yesterday outlined his plan to end crime and restore law and order in America. It gave me hope for the future; that the craziness of today’s world would soon end. And I was very grateful because sometimes it seems only to be getting worse.

In my last post I lamented that what’s in the ‘news’ nowadays is just smoke and mirrors, puff pieces purposely designed and intended to divert the attention of We the People from what’s really going on: the march towards globalism, no matter the cost. The elimination of the middle class. One World Order.

Politics has never interested me, but right and wrong was firmly ingrained in me, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that there is definitely more wrong happening in America than right. Just an example, look at what defunding the police has done to what were once thriving metropolitan cities. It’s a tragedy that was purposely contrived to inflict pain and suffering on ordinary, hardworking citizens who pay taxes—there was never any good to come from such measures, so what were the lawmakers thinking? Obviously not for the good of We the People.

Thankfully, there is One who has all power. Justice is coming. I’m grateful that I don’t pay attention to mainstream media, but rather seek alternative news sources that bring to light what the others won’t. I’m grateful for the hope I got from listening to the president’s plan to save America yesterday. I’m grateful I have peace regarding our country. It’s truly in God’s hands.

Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.~Daniel 12:3

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