Blessings Counted

In this world where one day follows the next at the speed of light, it is extremely easy to take each for granted. In the last four years of being a permanent resident on this mountain, I have made every attempt to enjoy each day to its fullest. Some days I’ve been more successful than others.

In my recent journeys, I’ve made every attempt at not only stopping to smell the roses, but to seek out the roses in every nook and cranny of life. I’ve learned it doesn’t have to be a rose for me to enjoy the fragrance. I’ve learned that I don’t have to look too hard or too far to find opportunities to savor. I’ve learned that this state of mind is infectious and can improve the moods of those around me.

In losing people close to me, it has made me more aware of the brevity of our stay here. So much of our existence is spent in waiting for the next event. That mindset only serves to increase the pace. But it’s an easy rhythm to fall into in our hurried society. I’ve tried to learn from those that have gone before me. Some have had some warning, while others have not.

I believe God provides lessons of learning and growing in the various opportunities we find ourselves in. Many times it’s difficult to see them as the conditions are so heart breaking. We’re never given a guarantee of long life or happiness. But we’re given a heart and soul that we can nurture and grow in the time that we have. Personally, I think that’s the purpose each of us serves in our journey.

A couple of Sundays ago, we had quite the scare with Tony. He was traveling late at night on Highway 77 in a Jeep Wrangler. An 18 wheeler came up behind him and rammed him. We think he must have been asleep as he wasn’t even aware he had hit him. When he did finally stop and Tony approached him, he had no idea what had happened. Fortunately, Tony was just punted off the side of the road onto a grassy embankment. Numerous what ifs could have taken him that night, but graciously didn’t.

His guardian angels surely got a workout. I teased him about being a cat with nine lives. He’s teetering on the edge of running out. He lives life to the fullest, and adds many gray hairs to my head. He teaches my heart and soul on a regular basis. I am so grateful for finding him all those years ago. Who would have thought that at 18, I’d find the person that would complete my world. It may have taken me a while to figure it out, but I definitely GOT IT!

The blessings have been many in my life, and I am so grateful for each and every one. I hope I’m leading my life in a way that honors the gifts that I’ve been granted. I hope that what I give back is more than that I have received. I am only human and still stumble along the way. I am by no means a saint, merely a human trying to find my way. Thank you God for all the blessings!! I will continue to attempt to share them forward.