Gratitude

 

I have a friend that once told me, she wakes up with a song in her heart every morning. Singing to herself and her dogs as she starts her day. 

Can you imagine being able to be that happy with your life? Not to wake up stressed out or thinking about the problems of the day before? 

She grew up in a large family that was quite poor. Made her own way in life to become quite rich financially. Even richer spiritually. To be able to wake up happy - just because she woke up. 

We take so much to bed with us. So much on our minds, and weighing on our hearts. Sometimes we forget the simple things, like the privilege to 'wake up'. 

I found out yesterday that my neighbor passed away. He was an elderly gentleman, had just recently sold his big house and bought the brand new mobile home next door in a new park development. It took him a couple months to get moved in and I don't think he even made it a month living in his new house. The ambulance was here quite frequently in the short time he was here, sometimes back to back days in a row. Then it got quiet. A couple weeks passed with no sign of him. Now he's gone. 

The sorrow of getting something new and wonderful and not living long enough to be able to enjoy it. Very sad. He had let go of so much of the load in his life trying to simplify, just didn't get it done in time to be able to relax. 

Everyday we wake up it's a blessing in itself. An opportunity to feel joy and see the beauty in this world around us. We get into our 'ruts' the daily grind. Waking up - going to work - coming home to do chores - pay bills - very little of our time is spent enjoying our lives, our families and the world we live in. Perhaps this is why so many feel a sense of anger and discontentment more than peace and joy. 

I don't believe it was God's plan for us to work more than we live. Our work was supposed to be in caring for the earth and the creatures around us. Planting - growing - and eating what is good. Watching flowers bloom and babies grow up. Teaching them and watching as they learn. We've lost the way in many ways. 

Take just one day to wake up grateful to have woken up. To appreciate what you have rather than worry about what you don't have. Make an effort to make someone else's day a little brighter. Listen to the birds sing and watch the grass grow. One of the most peaceful sounds I know, it to listen to the horses while they eat chewing on hay. It might sound silly but I assure you, it's very relaxing and brings peace unto your soul. 

Spotting a lizard in the beauty bark in the yard, seeing a hummingbird amongst the flowers. Watching the eagles float in the sky above. The glimpse of a mama elk and her calf, grazing in a pasture along side the road. There is so much beauty in the world around us and so much more we don't see - because we are too busy and in too big of a hurry. 

Imagine waking up with a song in your heart and peace in your soul. It really is a beautiful world we live in. We were meant to enjoy it. It's a privilege to wake up every day. Appreciate it. 

Blessed by God

Life can be beautiful @ the Bright Side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping By

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.