On becoming more grateful...
We are starting a new year! (And boy is it is off to a bang!)
The photo below was taken a while back and depicts a beautiful morning moment. I was on my way to school when I looked to the east to see the fog and the sunrise looking about as perfect on the horizon as they can look. I hurried to the northeast corner of the football field on our campus to get the photo before the moment passed.
It was significant to me because I could have just as easily missed the transient moment as captured it. I could have been so completely focused on getting to school and checking off all of the start-of-the-day things that needed to be done before students arrived that I missed this moment. We all have those days when it pretty much takes all we have just to get to where we need to be in one piece. I get that.
Ever since recovering from a near-fatal brain injury by God's grace and mercy in December of 2016, I feel a sense of urgency to grab moments of beauty and peace throughout my day, with my family and friends, and when I am out and about.
Call it being mindful, or whatever you want; but, I want to be more grateful. I want to be more peaceful. I want to really see what and who is around me. I want to see and to appreciate the amazing and wonderful things the Father has created for our enjoyment. I don't want to go through this life in a rush, feeling stressed and overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done. I want to see.
In these strange times, I think it is more important than ever to take some time to notice what is around us. It takes immense energy to keep a peaceful heart with everything swirling around us and to resist the anxiety that can so easily drown us. Taking a moment to enjoy the beauty around us is key to maintaining a sense of peace and gratitude.
So, today, as you go about your day, ponder and really "see" who and what is around you. Think about what you see. Without getting too cliche, stop and listen to the birds. Notice that Spring is coming. There ARE hints!
Think about how to be more kind, more compassionate, a better listener, and a more peaceful person. Think about this day and how you might be the bearer of peace to another.
Old Guy Life Lesson: Listen to the birds singing today, really see the people around you, and guard your peace.