Life will always bring with it matters of concern. Yet each day carries the potential to bring the experience of heaven; have the courage to expect good from it. Be gentle with this life.
John McQuiston II, Translating St. Benedict
Over a year ago–just before Covid–we went to the ocean with friends. We felt the squish of sand between our toes daily. We had fun. Our spirits were light. Travel, being together, puzzles, live music, and time in a beautiful place woke up our eyes to all things new.
On trips like that, we can’t help but grab our camera. We look through a lens to capture beauty and memories. I wonder if we can’t bring that lens home.
What if we used vacation eyes to look at our world?
At any moment, we can stop, look around, and find gratitude. A common grounding practice is to stop and note five things you see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one you can taste. What if we take that practice and use it with thanks? So often I have a Facebook view in life: like or dislike. Instead of that simple binary way of seeing the world, what if we look around knowing that even among the hard things in life, so much of this is a gift. What if we look around. . . and say thanks?
What pictures might we “snap” today? What simple, daily memories can we capture for the trip home?
Day 4 Thanks
- Texting with a friend
- A shirt that feels comfy
- Tennis shoes that squish
Day 5 Thanks
- A good night of sleep
- A to-do list to-done 🙂
- Fresh, red salsa
gratitude gal 
Another beautiful post! I sure enjoy the way you think! Hugs, my friend!
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