Counting Blessings

 

The lovely season of Thanksgiving is upon us. Among the myriad people, things, experiences and phenomena I am grateful for, I have chosen just ten and listed them in reverse alphabetical order.

Words – Those glorious implements of expression. “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Trinidadian Tolerance – My recent travel there revealed a respect for others which gives rise to tolerance, e.g., Christians join Hindus in celebrating Divali and Hindus join Christians in celebrating Christmas. “The deepest craving of human nature is to be appreciated.” ― William James

Rhythms – I delight in the rhythms of music and dance, as well as nature, especially the heavenly bodies as reflected in the seasons and landscapes. “Gratitude is a form of worship in its own right, as it implies the acceptance of a power greater than yourself.” ― Stephen Richards

Insights and Lessons – Whether they spring from contemplation or life experiences, both spur growth. “Love of God is pure when joy and suffering inspire an equal degree of gratitude.” ― Simone Weil

Home – Its beauty and protection ensconce me. “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” ― Thornton Wilder

Guides and Guardians – Those invisible beings who look after me from the Beyond. “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.” ― Maya Angelou

Friends – Those people who vivify and safekeep me. “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” ― Albert Schweitzer 

Forgiveness – I will never know whether others have forgiven me my transgressions against them, but I know the freedom that forgiving others has brought me. “True forgiveness is when you can say, ‘Thank you for that experience.’” ― Oprah Winfrey

Flowers – Of every shape, size, color, intricacy. “If the only prayer you ever say is thank you, that would be sufficient.” ― Meister Johann Eckhardt

Family – My husband, daughter and son-in-law are my deepest gifts. “Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” ― Marcel Proust