Growing gratitude

In anticipation of another 100-degree day, I ventured into my back and front yards to check flowers and veggies and the lawns, of course.  As I toured the property and smiled at the colors and the promise of fresh home-grown produce, I stopped in my tracks and thought about those waking to worry about losing their homes to fire, flood, the economy, and any number of other problems that can strike without warning.  As I dragged the garden hose along and doused the dry earth, my mind kept wandering.  Some people have no home at all, still longing and working for that part of the American Dream.  Needless to say, I could continue down the road to those in more dire circumstances, and I thought about it all as I completed my morning routine.  When I returned to my air-conditioned comfort, I couldn't just let it go.  I spent some quiet time in prayer, prayers for those suffering, worrying, and still clinging to hope with such strength and determination, prayers in gratitude for all I have and for the grace and humanity to appreciate it.  We cannot save the world, and we don't have to feel guilty for having things, for having fun, but we can pitch in and help when possible, and above all, be thankful for the positives in our own lives.  My little reminder this morning takes me into this fine summer day with more gusto than ever.

"Monday, Monday..."

"...can't trust that day."  Well, that's what The Mamas and The Papas sang.  Still, we must get Monday underway so we can get back to Friday.  Funny how that works.  Now, I have Mondays off, so my perspective is different, but I'm not so far from a full work week that I cannot remember.  The "normal" work week finds people constantly wishing for Friday.  Nothing wrong with that, but we must be careful to love on every day along the way.  Those are precious moments of life too.  Watching for positives, for small miracles, for the fodder of great memories, for opportunities to do good, to notice others, to SEE those momentary sparkles and sources of hope and happiness that takes great effort but pays with great reward.  In fact, if we busy ourselves with not only the mundane tasks of work and home, but also the noble pursuit of human light and levity, the very core of our being, we'll find the journey from Monday to Friday (or whatever your work week) punctuated with spirit-lifting flashes of joy.  Talk about moving your week along and enjoying it as you go...oh yeah!  Yes, easier said than done especially when one tosses in a whole boat load of complications.  Ahhhhhh but that's when we dig deep and make it happen anyway.  I say "Bring it, Monday. Let's boogie."  A spin and a hand-off at the end of each day, and we'll be cuttin' rug with Friday before we know it.

Distracted

People laugh and say, "Shiny objects distract her."  Well, they do, especially when that object is the sun or a bike of any sort or the glint of a raindrop or...well, you see what I mean.  No excuses for not posting, though, so here's my pledge, out loud and out of respect for those who patiently wait to read.  I will post at least once a week on one of my blogs (mainly this one) and share on Facebook as well.  Oh yeah, I can do that.  Funny how the more one has to do, the more one gets done.  At least that's how it works with me.  I keep teaching because I love it, but it also gives me a schedule of sorts.  I'm a world-class piddler, and although I get things done, especially the adult, required type items, I could accomplish more if I filled in some piddling time with concrete activity.  Now, I spent many years of my life hitting the floor running, so to speak, so I guess I've earned the right to piddle a bit.  Still, I love that feeling of accomplishment, of being able to sit back and admire what I've completed.  I have my moments.  Lists work best for me, and I've become artful at creating REASONABLE lists, those I can grace with check marks and then toss in the recycle bin.   Should you visit my home, you'd note several lists-in-progress at varying degrees of completion.  Yep, I'm on it!  Guess this post is an ironic reflection of my piddling.  The practice distracted me from blogging and yet gave me grist for the entry.  Soooooooo, "Blog" goes on one of my short-term lists.  How's that?