It’s easy to see things that make you unhappy or cause despair.
There is beauty and hope everywhere but you have to notice it. These events are veiled by our lack of gratitude. When we aren’t grateful, there’s no need to look for a focus of our gratitude and we miss so much.
I think the world is unsettled right now and as bad as I have seen it. There have been many times of upheaval in world history; perhaps the global economy and inescapable news coverage have made the most remote upheaval seem local. So the world has not been on its best behavior and I have noticed it. I was ripe to notice something better, something which made me feel grateful.
It was simple and elegant; a couple gazing out across the river from the dock. These two were just enjoying the view and their feelings for each other as I drove by on the bridge. I’m not sure where they were in their relationship but I could tell they were at a jumping off point; perhaps recently engaged, recently pregnant or just in love.
The impact to me came not in knowing their story but knowing myself.
It was a silent acknowledgment of humanity in that they stood where most of us stand some time; a little terrified, quite courageous and extremely hopeful.
The scene reminded me to have hope. I thought about how confident they looked as they peacefully gazed across the water and wondered where the ripples they made today would take them tomorrow. Courage and optimism create more of the same and they broadcast strength with this small and private act. It was God’s gift of love, placed where it easily reminded me to be grateful.
Later that week I was moving cattle in the pasture. The pasture is thick with cover and is ideal for wildlife. I had moved the cattle to a new paddock and went to check the fence voltage. As I moved across an area of clover, I was also walking through a large covey of pheasants. There is something so powerful about the explosion of power and sound when birds break from cover. It’s an experience like winged fireworks. The juvenile pheasants are such little balls of feathers and fury. I love baby animals as they make me feel like everything is just fine. The strength of this display reminded me of powers so great that our minds haven’t even learned to focus upon their potential. I was grateful to be where I was, when I was.
The world is broken right now, as it has always been. Years ago, there was not enough food for all and people died from disease that now seems minor. Our problems today seem to be more about people who have everything they want and want no rules or responsibility. Too many of us take so much without offering anything back to society. It’s time to appreciate our incredible world and accept the responsibility for what happens in it. There are so many reasons to be grateful, just look around you.
Just Look Around and Be Grateful
