Appreciating What Is...

I am grateful for the grace and beauty of the Hummingbird; such a tiny delicate creature.
I am grateful for the lessons I can learn by observing nature. It puts much into perspective in terms of importance.
I am grateful that when some insanity came knocking on my head today, I handled it a lot better than I once would have.
I am grateful that I am who I am- an imperfect child of G-d, and that is just fine.
I am grateful that when my heart aches from people, places and things I can never change, I can feel it, and then move on.
I am grateful for Trisha, with whom I celebrated her graduation tonight. It was such a warm occasion, with a loving and warm supportive family. And for Richard, who makes me laugh, and is such a wonderful neighbor. I am grateful for the love of friends and the understanding we share together.
I am grateful for the lesson of the Hummingbird: wings that beat so many times per minute, yet can keep them right where they want to be for as long as they wish to. This reminds me to look at my feet, be present where I am, and live in this moment. It is only here right now.
I am grateful to know I do my best to do the next right thing, and I no longer have to beat myself up over other people and their problems. All I can do is take care of me- right now, right here.

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Living in Gratitude

Tonight I am grateful for the sweet song of an Oriole as he stands alone in an Oak tree that died from Sudden Oak death disease.
I am grateful to have heard that many of the oaks that burned in the past 2 days were afflicted with the disease, and perhaps this might control the spread of it when all is said and done.
I am grateful for a reading that Sunil sent me many months ago, about not having to be afraid of the night, because G-d is always awake, always taking care. This means a lot to me tonight, because my neighbor the firefighter told me that overnight a 15 acre different fire started right beneath where we live, and he was there, with the rest of his crew- all volunteers-on top of it -putting it out really quickly. I am grateful G-d places those who take care of me- whether I am aware of it or not. I am grateful for the quiet right now- the lone melody, haunting in it's sweetness. It is just dark.

I am grateful that last night as I drove down my pitch dark road, I was going slow enough to let a possum make it's way down the road ahead of me. He was clearly bothered by my lights, and as I switched them off, he walked ahead of me, purposefully, but with an awkward gait. He scrabbled along, swishing his tail. It is humbling to do my part to coexist in this world with all who inhabit it. Would that it were as easy with humans for me as it is with creatures!

I am hopeful that the wild animals displaced by this fire might come to our canyon and ridge, and make a new home here.
I am grateful my puppy and I are safe and snug.

I am grateful that I had this day, that I was able to think before I REacted to a number of things, and that for the most part I chose a path of serenity and gratitude.
I am grateful for the love of my Higher Power, and the faith that He is right with me, night and day.