Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Thank You for the Gifts!


“There are souls in this world who have the gift of finding joy everywhere, and leaving it behind them when they go.”





I had a very nice night tonight but when I got home I found myself easily frustrated by being offered an opportunity that I’ve been waiting for.  Unfortunately I had to log in with a password, which was declared unacceptable.  I e-mailed them for a new password but so far none is forthcoming.  These kinds of things frustrate me to no end, so I need to end my frustration by writing.  I hate it when technology doesn’t work.   When there’s nothing I can do, then it’s time to do something else.  Besides, it’s time for me to write anyway. 
I wish my frustration levels didn’t rise so quickly.  The truth is that there are far worse things to worry about.  It’s Christmas Eve and I have an amazingly good life. I have a cup of coffee next to me.  And I get to write.  Life doesn’t get much better than that. 
There are so many people who are sad or sick or homeless right now.  There are people in hospitals, prisons, orphanages, or shelters for the abused.  I am safe and warm and pain free.  I could not be any more blessed.  At this moment I have all I need and far more.  So if a website doesn’t work, I can wait until it does, or I can unsubscribe and be done with it.
Sometimes I think I spend too much time focusing on problems.  Sometimes I think most of us do.  This is a shame because, as I said, I have many, many blessings.  I think most of us do.  I’m still working on not complaining and not entertaining negative thoughts.  What is the point of being negative?  It doesn’t change anything. 
Actually, being negative does change something.  It makes things worse.  It makes us worse.  I am not wearing blinders.  I am aware that there are problems in the world.  I am aware that there is pain.  But I don’t have to make these worse by focusing on them.  There’s too much good in my life.  If I must focus on the negative, I’d rather focus on how to address problems and pain rather than being engulfed by them.
What can I say?  Perhaps this isn’t my best blog ever, but I truly am grateful for all the blessings in my life.  One of the most enduring symbols of Christmas is of the baby Jesus being given gifts by three kings.  My King has given me gifts, too.  I’ve been given the following:
·      The love of many good people
·      Beautiful children
·      Good friends
·      Health
·      A Muse who loves me
·      The ability to write
·      A warm and safe place
·      The ability to work
·      A job
·      The ability to get another job or an additional one, if I so desire
·      Books
·      Food
·      A God who loves me

Can life honestly be any better than it is right now?   Yes and no.  Surprisingly, yes, because there are things I’d like to change.  This does not make me less grateful for what is.  Nor does it mean I can’t want something else.   But I know that these will come at the right time.  While I am waiting I am preparing for those additional future blessings. 
At the same time, the answer is no.  Life can’t get any better because though I don’t have everything I want or even everything I need, I have everything that is necessary for this moment.  I aspire and I rest at the same time.  This is the paradox of life.  I look for the better while enjoying the good and even the great.
I continue practicing gratitude while I Get Started and Keep Going!   Merry Christmas!!

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