deeper gratitudes

"What do you want to give yourself to?"-  Thomas Merton
"The meaning of life is to find your gifts. The purpose of life is to give it away."- Pablo Picasso

Thanksgiving 2014

I regularly struggle believing I have gifts and talents worthy of giving. This has become more earnestly true in a world that moves so fast and demands so much that my soul doesn't ever seem to be able to keep up. So, I like Thanksgiving because it is intentionally set aside to be a slower day; a day of rest and reflection.

Already this morning the slower pace has given me time to wrap my hands around a warm mug of dark roast coffee, pen a few words, and laugh a little longer with my son. These are the things I love to give myself to. These are the kinds of things that I want to daily celebrate; be grateful for. Yet, it isn't realistic for every day to begin as such.

However, simple gratitudes can be found in the everyday. I'm ridiculously optimistic about that. Perhaps that's a talent worthy of giving... the optimism that goes along with taking ten minutes to laugh with friends, making a few minutes for my pen- a few minutes breathe deep... and perhaps to share those words more regularly. For in sharing struggle there is blessing enough for all.

So let us come to the table today and share our gratitude for shared time and talents- whatever they are. Let us enjoy each other's giving and in doing so find thankful hearts.

Getting ready to travel today. Back in time, to present spaces- to see old friends and smiling faces.

I cannot wait to get headed north today. There's a chance it could be for the final time. Of course, that would be very sad unless we make time to discuss and act on new opportunities for get togethers and times to share. We enjoy each others stories and company too much not to, right?

I'm also looking quite forward to seeing folks I haven't seen in quite some time. A glorious trip is set for us... I'm sure of that much. This weekend will be great. But what after that? I suppose we will have to let that take care of itself...I'm confident it will.

I love sitting outside, early, first thing in the morning. I love sitting and listening to the chatter of friendly birds, with a cup of warm coffee and a thought- provoking book. The sun's rays are beginning to give birth to a brand new day.

I love sitting outside and listening inside. Just ten feet away I can hear another waking. It's the precious chatter of my four year old son as he responds to his friends on the floor- zipping and zooming and on the television- sounding out letter g.

There is so much to rejoice over in the way new day's are born. Delightful warming; squeaks and squawks and wonderful new thoughts make days come alive. These are my kind of days, the ones that provide all the encouragement one may ever need for living life to the fullest.