Just Thinking: Gratitude For What Is

"Thank You" is a verbal expression of appreciation and gratitude. A closer look at gratitude suggests that beyond words, gratitude is a state of consciousness or state of awareness. It's a mindset not contingent upon a defined set of circumstances or the current or future attainment of certain possessions. Gratitude is the recognition and appreciation for what is in the present moment. What you're about to read is a true story.

Transcript

Many years ago,

An acquaintance from work invited me to her home for breakfast.

Let's call her Niecy.

A bit surprised by the invitation,

Yet humbled to receive it,

I went.

After hanging my coat,

We walked back to the kitchen.

The cooking area was very tiny,

And the breakfast area was small.

I felt cramped because I was accustomed to large houses with spacious kitchens.

Though uncomfortably small,

It was purposefully decorated and adorably cute.

As we chatted,

And Niecy moved about preparing the breakfast,

I caught myself thinking how cramped she must feel working in such a small space.

She was tall,

And it seemed she had no room to move around.

As quickly as that thought came,

I noticed something else.

There was a sense of genuine joy and delight all around her.

She smiled as she spoke about this and that,

Doing everything effortlessly as though on autopilot.

I'll never forget this.

As she put the toast on the bread plates,

Cutting each piece in half,

She talked about the many ways she'd been showered with blessings.

She didn't speak comparatively.

For example,

I don't have this,

But I'm grateful for that.

No future promise of gratitude like,

When such and such happens,

I'll be grateful.

Her speech was organic,

An almost melodic flow of expressions of gratitude.

A modest environment,

But the magnitude of her gratitude could not have been greater had the world been at her feet.

I'd never experienced such an atmosphere.

Niecy was a seasoned senior.

She'd known life as it was.

Hopes that didn't happen,

Dreams that died.

Less time in front of her than behind her,

To dream new dreams that would take a lifetime to manifest.

Yet,

There was an indescribable overflow of contentment around her,

And she was happy sharing it with me.

Reviews

That was magnificent! Thank you for this. Heartwarming. ❤️.

Got me thinking !

A goog reminder

This was a lovely story and your telling was phenomenal. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Such a delightful simple practice; I loved it, thank you. Namaste 🙏🏻 ✨💜

An Attitude of Gratitude 🙏🏿 ✨️

What a beautiful practice, thank you Carol.

Thank you!

Thank you, Carol, for this beautiful reminder! 💝🙏

Awww... Such sweet story. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏼💜

A great reminder that any space and everyday can be enough. Thank you!

Beautiful. Thank you for this story this morning. I also have more time behind me than in front, and enjoyed Niece’s sense of peace and gratitude.