It’s always a good idea, no matter what is going on in our lives or in the outer world, to take time to reflect upon what we are grateful for. I believe that most people move through their lives with their heads down, focused on the day to day tasks. As a result, it is entirely possible that they don’t actually see what is in front of them. People seem too busy to pause and reflect.
There are so many things we can be grateful for: the smell of coffee in the morning, a roof over our head, food, especially dark chocolate, children, friends to connect with, pets, sunshine, the beauty and fragrance of flowers, music, sparkles in the snow, a full canopy of stars, hot water, electricity and videos about archaeology being done all over the world. The list is virtually endless.
Sometimes we receive help from the outer world, encouraging us to remember the things we should appreciate, like when winter storms bring ice and wind, causing power outages. Or when the temperature plummets to -19 and pipes freeze. When these events occur, we are instantly reminded of what we need to be grateful for. Suddenly taking a hot shower becomes the highlight of the day!
Looking at the larger picture, we must recognize, as citizens of the United States, that we have a great deal of Freedom. It comes in many forms: freedom of speech, the freedom to vote, the freedom to choose our own spiritual path and the freedom to decide how to make a living. I am reminded of Norman Rockwell’s paintings, representing the Four Freedoms. They are: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want and Freedom from Fear.
All one has to do, to be reminded of these larger gifts, is to listen to, watch or read the news. There are millions of people, all over the world, who do not have the freedoms we have. I invite you to stop and pause, on a regular basis, to reflect upon what you are grateful for in your life. If you do this, you will come to see that you are looking through brand new eyes!