Gratitude required a bit of work today. I have so much, yet I felt blue. For one thing, tragedy struck a local family. Another child, a seven year-old, with brain cancer. It doesn’t seem right for me to count how blessed I am, when his family is feeling so Job-like. An the killings in California make me cry out in anger and in sorrow; not to mention some of the uncharitable responses. On top of that, I’m feeling blue because I couldn’t be in two places at the same time. And don’t even get me started on the Christmas rush. [tweetthis]Christmas should be a pleasure, not a chore.[/tweetthis] That should make me feel lucky. Next I’m mad at myself for being so self-involved and selfish, when other people are facing real problems.
Okay, so here’s my list petty mixed with important:
[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Texture app: I’m on a trial with my iPad. Yes, all the magazine reading I want on five devices. Yeah!
[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] An interview with Clayton Smith. Okay after the holidays. Still, I’m excited. He’s the author of the top five, maybe the top favorite book for 2015, Anomaly Flats.
[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] A calendar crowded with holiday celebrations.
[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] In December I get to write about charitable giving. Last week it was the Coat-A-Kid Drive. The county I live in is so giving it gives me goosebumps.
[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] The Mulliganeers: A grass-roots organization that helps families faced with dire situations who’ve fallen through the cracks. Losing a job, facing the challenges of Rhett’s syndrome for their little girl, the future felt like they carried the weight of Atlas on their shoulders. The Mulliganeeers helped pay rent, short-term loans, and utilities.
[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] A new flute player. It’s a simple thing, but I’m so tickled to be playing as part of a trio with little Ellie. She’s a first year flute player. “I was at a concert and said, ‘what’s that sound’ to my mom. She told me it was a flute, and right there, I knew that’s what I wanted to play.” That just filled me with joy.
[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] A call from my sister, Julie. She’s such a gem.
[icon name=”bell” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Monday’s with Mom. She makes me laugh. She makes me think. And sometimes she makes me cry. Every day with her is a blessing.
What’s on your gratitude list this week. Please join Laurel at Alphabet Salad and see what’s on a whole bunch of lists.