Giving Thanks

It is the day before the traditional family gathering to share the annual American dinner of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.  Being thankful for a bountiful life of good friends, good health, and the happiness life brings is also on my mind today.  Much has happened this year to be mindful of; the challenges and victories and festivities blend together toward building character and experience.  As per my usual outlook; optimism and hope team together in preparation for the start of the New Year.

E M B R A C E

Each year the change of the temperatures, the autumn colors on the tree leaves, and the decrease in daylight remind me another year is winding down. The holiday displays have been set up in the stores.  The television advertisements are airing the holiday sales and season.  The planning with family and friends to celebrate has begun.  The end of another year is approaching.  I like endings.  To me an end means a new beginning.  So much transpires in a year's time.  The family grows older and I grow wiser.  I have found myself using the word 'embrace' quite a bit this past week.  Embrace the future, the changes, and those you love closest to you.  God is in my life and all will be well.

Inspirations

There are some days when one needs a bit of an adjustment on an outlook or reinforcement of a situation.  On Sundays, I watch Joel Osteen - two if not three times!  It helps me regroup, reflect on the past week, and look forward to a new week.  Each Sunday, I feel I did not write as much as I had planned to do but, know that I manage to write every day and am proud of myself for doing so.  This morning, my son was getting ready for his job.  His company was acquired by another company  recently leaving many employees fearful of their future.  While discussing a recent company-wide meeting, his voice was calm, his spirits high, and he left me feeling relieved as I, too, was fearful of this corporate acquisition.  Both my son and a daughter work there.  I also realized not only am I inspired by Joel's weekly broadcast but, my son left me with additional inspiration through his youthful outlook as well.

Changes in Plans is Okay

Okay.  So, the plans you made six months ago for the betterment of your future may not have turned out exactly the way you had envisioned.  That is okay.  Each and every decision one makes is the best decision at the time it was made; otherwise, the decision would not have been made.  Relish in the success of the aspects of the decision or if that is not possible - learn from it.   A reminder from one person that has made plenty of memorable bad decisions:  there is always a silver lining in every cloud accompanied by a valuable lesson.  Bad decisions help make us both stronger and provide for better decisions for the future.  A side note:  you have probably made far more good decisions than bad.  Think about that.

Life Gives You Stories

The big family wedding day occurs.  The bride is gorgeous - the groom as handsome as ever.  The caterer times the guests tables perfectly.  The evening flows according to the meticulous planning of the event.  So many smiling faces beam toward me as I peruse the crowd, greet, and extend my gratitude for the presence of the many guests while happy feet dance to the tunes of the DJ couple.  And then, the party is over; the celebration lovingly lingers through the weekend.  As my reflection of the past couple of days encircles my brain today ("Happy" is the tune that greets me) I realize so many life stories had emerged from that beautiful day.  A few of those stories were rather tragic and still others brought tears of joy and laughter.  There will be many stories to tell in the future.

Family Bonds

My day started at 6:10 am.  It was Saturday.  The morning was spent horseback riding along the Patapsco River celebrating my daughter's 26th birthday with her brother and sister.  The two hour long ride ended, our knees were stiff, and our spirits uplifted.  The late afternoon was spent visiting extended family.  One of my brothers had passed at age 61.  Upon our return home, a family conference call brought other members of my family to discuss my aging mother. Biological and marital bonds bring together family - some are simplistic; some are quite complex.  Reflection of my day revealed there are family bonds that remain constant over time.  For that I am most grateful of their presence in my life.

Seize the Moment

I looked around my view this morning while working and writing.  The telltale remnants of my daughter's visit yesterday - a cigarette butt in the ashtray on the patio table - caused a moment of reflection.  The three little green resin monkeys sitting atop the ashtray were silent - they weren't saying.  I wondered if she found the same tranquility sitting alone yesterday as I do in my early mornings on the patio.  The thought lasted only a moment but, gave me warmth in my heart as I took in the same tranquil view of lush green lawn, flowering plants, and garden vegetables.