How many words does it take to express a complete thought? To tell a complete story?
These questions challenge me. And I’m always in awe of writers who can paint a complete picture or convey a moving narrative in just a few words. So for this month of Thanksgiving, I’m inspired by SMITH Magazine’s Six-Word Memoirs project to express my daily thanks in six words.
And on this first day I’m grateful for:
Power in the short and sweet
With the holiday season in full swing, I’m thankful for a Thanksgiving spent at home. With family stretching to the south and to the west, holiday travel is often a given but this year, there really was no place like home (and extra sleep).
Of course thoughts of the holidays don’t always elicit warm fuzzies and good cheer. So what if we opted out? Opted out of obligations that steal our peace. Opted out of traditions and expectations that weigh us with dread and mask us with insincerity. What if we shifted our focus? Changed our perspective? What if we dared to do something different? What if our “yes” was genuine and purposeful? What if our “no” was kind but firm and free of guilt. What if we intentionally set the tone and atmosphere of our space? What if in the midst of it all we took time to just be…
Be grateful. Be at peace.
Happy Holidays!
She looks battle weary. Her face bearing the scars of addiction, her head bowed. She walks the line of cars, the blessing of a busy intersection and a red light. Quickly she walks, hoping some kindness might be extended to her- a meal, a few dollars, an encouraging word. This day I can offer only a hello and a prayer. She cries and grabs my hands, her gloves stiff with cold. “In Jesus name,” she agrees. “I know He’s going to take care of me” she says. The light has changed, the cars behind honk with impatience, we say quick goodbyes. Each day I pray, that her absence means she’s found a warm and safe place to lay her head, that she is bravely fighting her demons, that healing and recovery are in her view.
This woman is just one of thousands of homeless men, women and children in Baltimore. The need is heartbreaking and overwhelming but there are individuals and organizations on the front line meeting these needs everyday. If you are considering where to give this holiday season, consider adopting a woman or family (mother & children) at Marian House. They are truly helping women move from dependence to independence.
While this is the last day of the month and officially the last day of the gratitude project, I know that gratitude is a daily exercise, whether written or spoken. Gratitude keeps life in perspective. No matter what the day brings there is always something for which to be grateful. So today I’m just grateful for life, the great, the not so great, the triumphs, the failures, the little things. God is good and I am grateful for this life He has given to me.
I’m grateful for nosy neighbors. They may be an occasional nuisance but when it really matters I’m grateful to have watchful eyes looking out for the good of our neighborhood.
I’m grateful for golden sugar cookies straight from the oven…hmmm…sugary pieces of heaven.
To be honest I can’t immediately think of anything that I’m grateful for today. It’s been “one of those days”- a day of unpleasant moods and brooding reflections, a day where the cons seem to outweigh the pros. But then I am grateful, grateful for a gracious God who knows me at my core, a God who won’t berate or strike me down in my current state but love and encourage me in spite of…
I’m grateful for drama free bedtimes- no tears or pouts, no screams of dissent, no repeated requests for water- just clockwork precision and maximum relaxation.
I’m grateful for peaceful, joyous family gatherings and that no matter how long it’s been since we’ve seen each other or how short the visit, we pick up where we left off and maximize every moment.
I’m grateful for proper perspective as the Christmas shopping season (and media blitz) takes off full steam.
I’m grateful for my Dad. As I age, I see more and more of his face as I gaze into the mirror and I find myself repeating and acting on little nuggets of his wisdom. I know there are many good men in this world (my husband being one of them) but I like to think when God created my Dad he broke the mold.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to say “Thanks” -not just on tomorrow for Thanksgiving or for the month of November but every single day in word and in deed.
Barnabas Blessings 