“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” ― Epicurus
Sending joyful wishes to you and yours! This special holiday served as our extended family reunion gathering as a child. We usually went to the farm where all the traditional comfort food converged from an eight-county area onto one table. If there were strained family relationships they were set aside for the day.
This breaking of bread among family served us well. I only remember the laughter, the stories (that got bigger each year), and the fellowship. It was expressed gratitude that we had family. I know it was far from perfect, but even in that, I learned gratitude in the face of the imperfect. I learned that one does not depend on the other.
Choosing Gratitude And Thanksgiving
Choosing to look at what I have rather than what I do not goes much deeper than just a healthy mental attitude. Gratitude and joy are a force. It has life, but must be intentionally nurtured.
This is always the case, but this year, we need this even more. The uncertainty looms even larger, we can loose sight of all we can be grateful for.
Here is this year’s list Joyful Wishes list:
- For the air, I breathe and breath in my lungs. This is especially dear after a virus pneumonia encounter in August.
- for a loving husband of almost 45 years
- access to food and other daily necessities
- for diligent workers who have braved the working world including those who work in our home
- hot and cold running water
- several modes of reliable transportation
- heat, gas, and electricity
- a warm, clean bed
- several cats that entertain, keep us company and cuddle just when we need it
- a washer, dryer, and clean clothes
- For the colorful autumn leaves out my window.
- for the gift of flight and all that means
Now it is your turn! Let’s see how far this can go. What one thing are you grateful for today?