It’s 4:00 am, and I sit in the dark with a cup of tea listening to the rain.
Wondering. Yearning.
I am surrounded by everything that I need, want, and desire.
Yet, I feel both empty and full.
The emptiness signals that I need more. But, more of what? Certainly, not more stuff. Obviously, not more food.
The fullness signals that I have a full life, an abundant life. But the fullness is uncomfortable.
I smile because I know that the emptiness and fullness are both blessings, and in this moment, there is only one thing that can satisfy both.
Gratitude.
What is gratitude?
Gratitude is a thoughtful, meaningful expression of thanks. My vacation has taken me away from my morning rituals. I haven’t written in my gratitude journal in over a week. I have said the automatic and polite “thank you,” but I need to go deeper.
I must express gratitude.
In expressing gratitude, I acknowledge that life is good. There is always goodness around me. There is goodness in me and there is goodness in you.
Today, I express gratitude for having both parents alive. Mom celebrated her 91st birthday last week. She is a breast cancer survivor, a woman warrior, a lioness, and the embodiment of everything that is good. Dad will celebrate his 90th birthday in a few months. He is a prostate cancer survivor but is losing the battle to Alzheimer’s. But his smile and laughter still bring a room to life.
I express gratitude to my siblings who take care of my parents at home. A nursing home is not an option for us. Caregiving is difficult work and the blessings of having two elderly parents alive can feel heavy at times.
I can spend all day expressing my gratitude, but dawn is breaking, and I must greet the sun.
I am blessed.
I am grateful.
Reflect
Please share your experience in the comment section of this blog. Or you can join the conversation on the Keep It Tight Sisters Facebook Group.
Keep It Tight Sisters!
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