Gratitude is on my mind not only because yesterday was Thanksgiving because I hear somehow God asking the habit to grow in my heart. Not because I am ungrateful person but because right now He wants me to practice remembering. He is asking me to see small and large the provisions and beauty of the day. And I am hoping that an increased habit of Gratitude will be like a boquet of wildflowers in the winter. It will increase my vision and boost my capacity to wait on the Lord.

“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”
― Maya Angelou, Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer

Indeed there is much to remember. Most notably this year, i could not believe my eyes to stare across the table at my mother. She is lovely and far more well than we ever could have predicted in this day. Its almost more than any of us can say outloud, thank you Lord. Thank you that we still have her in this way, so full hearted and strong. She has finished 11 rounds of chemotherapy. They helped and we cannot stop giving thanks. And now that treatment discontinues. And we must look to the future with hope and memory of the last 11 months not with spirits of anxiety and fear. How can gratitude expand our imagination for the future?

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." Marcel Proust

And this year I thank God for Hannah and Stephen. Our little team is quite a force. So I feel while we may be pressed on many many sides, we hold tight to one another.
Be Thankful IN all circumstances is what I am learning. Not necessarily be thankful for all circumstances, but all the while life appears to be falling a part in sickness and violence and loss, still, can we continue to practice gratitude. For each other. For our home. For sunshine and coffee. I'd like to try.