Gratitude365

These three words were recently shared with me by a friend in reference to something we were talking about at the time, and she emphasized that the middle word was what made all the difference. I was grateful for the absolution, though I didn’t need it from her. I had to forgive myself.

It probably sounds crazy to someone who’s not OCD, but I had somehow allowed writing gratitude on a daily basis to become stressful. Not that I didn’t love writing. Not that I didn’t have something to write about—there’s always something to be grateful for. It’s just that–in order for the piece to be posted on that precise date–it had to be written by a certain time (sometime in the early afternoon according to GMT, but not sure exactly what time that was in the central time zone) else it would be posted on the following day. And being thrown off by that one day a few weeks ago—accentuated by self-flagellation and admonishment—turned into procrastinating many more days. I told you it would sound crazy. So, I was very aware that I’d abandoned my project. Bottom line: I didn’t know what I was going to do about it.

I don’t know how long it’s been since my last gratitude post; I’m almost afraid/ashamed to look. But this is where acceptance comes in. I’m aware that however long it’s been since I last wrote, it is what it is. I can’t change that. I feel badly that my goal of writing gratitude every single day didn’t actually happen despite my best intentions, but I don’t have to feel defeated or as though I’m a loser.

This experience has made me wonder, is acceptance a choice?

I’m beginning to be convinced it is. I realize I’ve been stuck at a crossroads. I’ve always been able to choose to either get back into the habit of writing again and not worry about the gap in between that and the last post–or not. And I’ve been thinking about it for what seems to be weeks now. I just haven’t done anything about it until now.

About a week ago I discovered a group of RV bloggers on FB that seemed worth joining. It did prompt me to write a couple of pieces for my other blog, and I was pleased about that. And grateful. So now it’s time for action on this blog: to either get back in the saddle or not.

Obviously, I’m made the choice to get back into it. I’m GRATEFUL I did. But I’m also grateful for the time in between posts, too. A lot of “life” happened, and I am grateful I was able to be present. There was a lot of time with family and friends and being in the outdoors. I’m grateful I realize that only so much can be done in the 24 hours of a day, and that it’s okay if all of it doesn’t get done. You wouldn’t believe how much I admonished myself for not writing! But I’m grateful that apparently I’m “over it.” I’m grateful for the change in my attitude.

Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. -James 1:22

I can choose to be grateful, no matter what.

Early Sunday morning seems to be a good time to be at a laundromat, as I am finding out. I’m giving a very large washable rug to my daughter, and I wanted to launder it first. I’m grateful for the mega washers here at the laundromat in Hollister, a town on the outskirts of Branson, and I’m grateful that I am one of only a handful of people here. It’s peaceful. I am grateful for the 32 minutes it takes for the load to wash so that I can write. I’m grateful to be by myself right now; I’m grateful to recognize when I need space. I’m grateful I don’t have to drink to escape anymore. I’m grateful when I don’t allow hurtful words or actions of others to ruin this beautiful spring day. I’m grateful that there will still be a lot left of it to enjoy when I get home. I’m grateful for the phone calls from both of my kids today. I’m grateful that I matter.

You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. ~Isaiah 26:3

Blogging daily gratitude has opened my eyes to the constant wonder about me, and it seems that the more I write out my gratitude, the more things come my way to be grateful for. Lots of small things all the time, and every once in a while, something big. Such was the case yesterday at Silver Dollar City, an amazing amusement park in Branson, Missouri.

SDC has been recently voted America’s #1 Theme Park, so it goes without saying that there were a LOT of people there on a glorious spring day. I was aware that a friend from St. Louis would be there, as I’d seen something she’d posted on social media saying as much. I’d replied, saying we were thinking about going there that afternoon, too, but no plans were ever made because I didn’t hear back.

It’s a challenge to make plans around Victor, our senior pup with dementia. We feel we can leave him alone four hours at the most, so we have our time away allocated almost to the minute. A round trip takes an hour, leaving two hours to see the shows, go on rides, and eat. This month’s theme is Bluegrass & Barbecue, and we were there for both!

SDC is expansive, and we aren’t familiar in the least with the park’s layout. So by the time we found our way to where the pickers were playing, the only two seats together were on a retaining wall, but we were grateful to get them.

Just as the music was about to begin, my friend from St. Louis walked up to a single seat right in front of us. I said, “Sue?!” I couldn’t believe that here she was at the same show as us, amidst at least several hundred thousand people. When God means for paths to cross, they do! His wonders never cease.

For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. ~Jeremiah 17:8

Yesterday was an all-around good day. So many things happened to brighten my spirit, and for each one I thanked God. Little things, like the hummingbirds that have returned to our feeders, even after our 10-day absence during which they ran out of food. They’d been so prolific before we left, and I felt rather guilty letting the feeders go and letting nature take its course. But there’s only so much a person can do. So, their reappearance (within minutes of hanging feeders filled with fresh sugar water) was a delightful surprise. A Godsend.

My prayer group meets on Tuesdays via Zoom, and I’m grateful for the blessing of finding a way to stay connected, in spite of our traveling lifestyles. I’m also grateful that we seniors have embraced technology, even though it’s been challenging and frustrating sometimes. It’s a blessing to want to learn. And wanting to learn about God makes the trying and trials all the more blessed.

A little later, out of the blue I got a text from an RVing friend announcing that she was going to be camping nearby for a month starting this Friday and that she hoped we could get together sometime. Of course, we can! Our serendipitous encounter in Hot Springs, Arkansas five years ago—the only time we’ve been face-to-face—has resulted in a very unique friendship, one that ultimately affects a lot of people. When I quit Facebook three years ago, I asked her to take over the administrative duties of a group I’d created (Gratitude 365) to include posting daily, and she’s done an awesome job ever since. I am so excited to see her again!

And to top off the day, my husband and I went bike riding at our favorite local spot. It’s nice to be back home and into our routine which, incidentally, is never the same from one day to the next. I’m grateful to everyone and every little thing that contributes to my happiness and abundance.

 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. ~Isaiah 58:11

I love to take photographs, especially of sunrises and sunsets, but I have to be careful not to miss the miracle that’s actually unfolding before my eyes. It takes an earnest effort to rein in my compulsion to focus on minute details in an effort to capture the perfect shot, and I’m grateful when I am able to restrain myself, put down the camera, and just observe. The scene changes so discretely it’s hardly noticeable, but what a difference a minute or two makes!

I am grateful for trying to be aware and recognize God’s Presence in moments. In people. In events and happenings. It’s not always easy, but I’m learning to “chill” and appreciate the Now, even when things aren’t going the way I envisioned.

Maintaining an attitude of gratitude is a choice, and when I choose to be grateful, it’s about something that actually is. Now, when something happens to prevent me from getting this blog written, I don’t get all worked up about it like I used to. Carpe diem. Seize the day. I do what’s in front of me to do. And I’m grateful for the moment. I’ll get back to writing when I can.

Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? Matthew 6:27

Aside from visiting with my family while I’m in Hopkinsville, I love to spend as much time as possible with my spiritual family there, too. I’m grateful that no matter how long I’m away—and it’s going on six years now—I’m always greeted warmly with open arms and long, tight hugs when I return. I’m so grateful I got to got to see them a few times while I was there this time! I love to feel the genuine love and happy relief of knowing that we’re all still here (alive) and “doing this thing.”

These are my real friends, and it doesn’t matter how much time passes between visits. I know for a fact that they love me and are genuinely concerned for my complete wellbeing…physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It seems like a tall order for any one person; actually it’s impossible. That’s why we alcoholics need one another. No one else can understand us like we understand each other. And that’s ok.

I gravitate to the AA clubhouse because I want to be there. This goes for anywhere we go. It doesn’t matter if I know the people at the meeting or if I don’t. I’ve never felt more at home than I do in a roomful of alcoholics in recovery, and if they are people I’ve known ‘for a few 24 hours’ as it was this past Friday evening, all the better! As I’ve heard it said many times, probably because it’s true, “God brought me to AA, and AA brought me to God.” I’m grateful for His presence in the rooms of AA. I’m grateful to witness His work in the members of my spiritual family.

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:39

In the six days I’ve been here (Hopkinsville, Kentucky), I’ve been to three of my grandson’s high school baseball games, and there’s another one tonight. It has been a joy to watch these kids, their coaches, and the fans having FUN. To me, that’s what life’s all about. There was none of the awful behavior that grabs the news headlines, only good sportsmanship all the way around: players, coaches and fans.

A couple of days ago, I witnessed Senior Night, a ceremony held before that night’s game when two graduating players were honored. I was especially touched by the reading of each player’s sentiment in which they expressed gratitude to those who helped them get to this point in life. Each player thanked God first, and then parents and coaches and any other special ones. It was moving and emotional and wonderful to behold.

A week of high school baseball has done wonders for my outlook on life; it’s given me the boost I needed to regain confidence in humanity, especially in the younger generation. I’m grateful for being immersed in sheer wholesomeness and for the opportunity of being a part of something, such as this fan-base. I appreciate being able to take a peek at normal life here, and that it’s peaceful and quite ordinary. God’s goodness is all around.

For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart. ~Ecclesiastes 5:20

This is a most interesting time to be alive. Although I turned off the television for good three-plus years ago, I am still aware of what’s going on. I mean, what’s really going on. And it’s not the lies and propaganda that’s supposedly the news.

Things went so wrong so fast about that time (2019-2020) and so much of it didn’t make sense, to me, anyway. Telegram became, and still is, my go-to social media platform. What started out to be at least a couple dozen channels followed has been whittled down to a handful. Over time this discernment carried over to my actual life, when I became more aware of who I listened to and with whom I associated. As a result, my circle has become pretty small.

It’s been a blessing. I am given generous helpings of support from my little circle of God-loving women by way of phone conversations, text and email messages and now, Zoom prayer sessions. It is sheer joy to be aware that my cup is actually overflowing, and I am grateful! Nearly all the women in my little circle are RVers like myself, and I met them all in very, very small towns, which I find truly unbelievable. And yet, it is.

It’s a God-thing, and I rejoice! Sometimes I just have to look up and say, “Thanks, God. I knew that was You!”

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. ~Proverbs 27:17

The grandkids have left for school, and now it’s just the three pups and us. They are all nestled somewhere comfortably, and more than one is snoring. All is well, and I am grateful.

It stormed terribly yesterday for many hours, off and on starting midday and lasting through the night, dumping so much rain at once that neither the gutters nor the goldfish pond could contain it all. I fully expected to find goldfish flopping around on the patio this morning, but gratefully did not.

The peacefulness and quietness of right now are so obvious to me, and I’m grateful for the stillness. I think that’s because I’m not at my own home, distracted by all the things I could, should, or want to do. I am content to sip coffee and write while my pup is sleeping on my lap. I’m grateful to be so aware of the value of ‘now.’

This is the day which the LORD hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. ~Psalm 118:24

My life has not been my own for the past three days, and won’t be for another week. My husband and I are placeholders for our daughter, who has to be away on business for several days. We are here to make sure the teenage grandkids go to school every day and come home by a certain time every night. It’s nice to be needed, and I’m grateful we’re able to put our lives on hold for a few days.

It’s somewhat uncomfortable being away from what is ‘my ordinary.’ Not that I don’t have everything I need here; I do. It’s just different. Everything is different. I’m grateful I can adapt and be flexible.

I’m grateful that a change in my lifestyle doesn’t upset me like it used to. For instance, it used to be that I’d get really upset with myself if I didn’t write my daily gratitude blog by a certain time; for some reason, a post made after 3 pm is dated the following day. And when I say, “got upset,” I’m not exaggerating. It would weigh on my mind to the point of obsession, and that’s not a good way to live. I could blame my mindset on the fact that I’m an alcoholic (because my disease remains in spite of my recovery), but it’s more productive for me to think in terms of how important is it really? I had to learn to adapt to whatever the situation was. Acceptance was the key to inner peace.

I’m sure that by the time our time here is done, I will have learned where all the light switches are, how to work the washing machine, where things like towels, paper towels and toilet paper are stored, and remember the difference between the codes to the house lock and the alarm system. Until then, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here for my family.

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. ~Galatians 5:13