Today I’m thankful. I try to live my life in a constant state of gratitude, but some days, God just fills me up. Today was one of those. Nothing huge happened. I didn’t win a million dollars or suddenly drop fifty pounds. It was just a simple spring day, filled with God’s goodness. Beautiful, cool sunshine on a brightly colored canvas of a world. A dental visit that removed two years of coffee and red wine stains from my teeth. A lunch with ladies that I’ve come to know and love over the last few months, shared with some remarkably beautiful women from the ministry at the Fieldhouse for the Homeless. A new calling on my life? An afternoon portrait session with one year old and two and a half year old sisters that made my heart smile and reminded me how much I love photography. The anticipation of an early morning run tomorrow in this sinfully spectacular weather. Life is good.
And now, at day’s end, the simple enjoyment of my lake, my dog, a container of flowers, a glass of red wine (got to restain those teeth, right?), today’s New York Times crossword, and a good book. No supper to cook, no house to clean. Yes, it’s all still there and dirty, but it’ll be there tomorrow, and I’ll clean it then.
I’m often too busy or too stressed to just sit and enjoy the simple beauty of life. My man has been a good teacher over the years, simple pleasures are his speciality. He’s taught and encouraged me to slow down, sip the wine, smell the roses, eat dessert. So, I do. And life is better because of it. Listening to my fat, lazy dog snore at my feet makes me smile.
One of the things no one warned me about becoming an old broad is that sleep becomes a long lost friend. I often awaken in the night after a few hours of fitful sleep and lay awake until just before my alarm goes off the next morning. That’s the time of day I take back all those things I’ve so carefully laid on God’s shoulders, because, you know, He really needs my help in solving them. I suddenly remember the form I forgot to fill out, the bill I forgot to pay, the worries of and for my kids, the friend(s) whose needs are urgent and dire. I call it “The Midnight Hour” and it has become a time I dread.
A few weeks ago, I started counting my blessings during that time. You remember, like your grandmother told you to do every day? I just start saying (in my head, not aloud – the old man next to me has no trouble sleeping) I am grateful for _________________. Some nights, all I can think of is that I’m grateful for my exquisitely soft sheets and perfect mattress, so I start there. That leads me to that man softly snoring beside me, my healthy and mostly happy kids, work I enjoy, the ability to pay my bills, and on and on. Usually, I only get to about 10 things, and then I remember no more until the sun comes up and a new day starts.
So, I’m particularly thankful for the blessings of this day. Not a perfect day. Just one filled with simple pleasures.
Old Broads Run… A journey of faith and fitness after 50 