I woke up Monday and the news beyond politics was depressing. First, I discovered Alabama was celebrating the Confederate Holiday. We have three official Confederate holidays. In addition to Monday’s holiday, Robert E Lee’s birthday is celebrated at the same time as Martin Luther King holiday. Jefferson Davis’s holiday is in June.
Then I read there are 73,000 homeless people in Los Angeles County. I could not believe the number, so I asked AI and the answer I received was over 75,000.
Then I read that no food had been allowed into Gaza for 60 days. Children are starving. Again, I asked AI and the answer was no food, fuel or medicine had been allowed into Gaza for over 60 days.
Rather than fall into depression, I decided to counteract the bad news and have a time of thanksgiving. I am not an ostrich burying my head in the sand. I am someone who was reminded of how privileged a life I live. I wanted to slow down, take note and be thankful.
Homeless. When I woke up this morning I had a bed, a roof, electricity, running water, sewage and much more. Rather than taking those things for granted I took the time to say thanks.
No food for 60 days. I studied our pantry, our refrigerator and our freezer. I am sure that if we rationed carefully and ate some weird meals, we have food to last more than 60 days. Rather than taking food for granted, I gave thanks.
Love. Our sons called. We heard from friends though calls, texts and emails. Our circle of family and friends is wide and deep. Our fellowship of love is special. Rather than taking relationships for granted I took time to say thanks for people by name, starting with Jeny.
Nature
I needed a book for a church study group on Wednesday evenings. Scott, our oldest son, recommended The Simple Faith of Mr. Rogers. The class has greatly enjoyed the reading and discussion. Even skeptics have delighted in the book. One of the obvious messages is to slow down, appreciate and give thanks. I did that in my yard this week.
Camillias. The weather in Mobile has been beautiful. I took the time to enjoy the beauty of God’s creations. While many were still freezing, we had our Azalea and Camillia season in February. Our snowball plant was magnificent this year and provided bouquets through May and were part of the Easter flowers at church. The daffodils and iris have come and gone. I remembered the beauty of all of them and gave thanks.
Jazmine. Our arbor erupts every April, not just with beautiful flowers but with a pleasing aroma. I am not much into scents but Jasmine gets my attention. Rather than racing out to our Koi pond and tossing in the food, I took the time to appreciate the sight and aroma of the arbor.
Sage Hydrangea. Our Sage Hydrangea is exceptional this year. Rather than racing out to the driveway, jumping in the truck and hurrying away, I took the time to appreciate the size and beauty of the plant before I got in the truck.
Amaryllis. April is the time the Amaryllis erupts. Ours is particularly beautiful this year.
When I got home, rather than jumping out of the truck, hurrying into the garage, I took the time to sense the beauty of the red trumpets.
In addition, my garden is the best I have had in our 42 years living in Mobile. Tomatoes, beans, radishes, okra, lettuce and peppers are doing well. Next will be onions and potatoes. My new mock rose and agapanthus garden lining the driveway is blooming. I give thanks for the beauty of the world around me and consider it a privilege to be a steward over the natural beauty God provides.
Good News
Kindness
Caught On Camera: Postal Worker’s Honest Act Inspires A Neighborhood
Strangers Team Up To Save Wild Horses Trapped In Deep Mud Pit
Overwhelmed New Mom Brought To Tears By Waitress’s Unexpected Act Of Kindness In Japan
Woman Battling Cancer Receives Home Makeover From Volunteer Painters
I hope I have encouraged everyone to celebrate today. We live in a country of freedom and great privileges. We have national problems and I know many of you have personal struggles, but taking the time to think and give thanks for what we have is good to do on a regular basis.
Thank you for understanding.
I feel better.
Peace
Jerry
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