I have taken some time off of writing, at least from Facebook, but felt I wanted to begin a rhythm for our team to set up for a thought/concept to walk out and ponder for the week. As I have been mulling over our first theme, I keep coming back to gratitude. I feel that it is a timely topic with all the discord, fear and unrest out in the world.
I stand grateful for so many things. I have spoken much about gratitude and it’s being the antidote to fear and worry but gratitude is an emotional power pack. Recounting or re-experiencing the good in our lives is like plugging in our phone for a filling up of power.
My scripture verses Saturday were from Philippians 4:6 and says “Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:18 says give thanks in ALL circumstances for this is Gods will for you!
I know it’s easy for us to get caught up in what is not working around us and I take for granted the small things but I want to add some perspective today that has shifted things for me. As you read this, I am walking with three friends in life altering circumstances – – two dealing with cancer and the other a stroke at 40 with two small children. We are not promised tomorrow so could we this week focus on being where our feet are, being present and grateful for each breath-each moment. Can we look on things as gifts? The ability to collaborate and work together, enjoy one another, go home to our spouses and children, move our bodies freely, etc. is a true gift. I want this week to be focused on gratitude in everything.
A podcast I listened to recently said every experience is either a lesson or a gift. I love that! Could we look at the challenging things this week as lessons we get to learn and the good things that occur as gifts?
Another nugget that has helped me from my mentor is to savor things, time with people, memories, large and small, like a good piece of chocolate. That picture is changing the way I do time with others. Tuning in listening to their words letting them sink in and savoring their presence. Can we try that too this week? We are not promised tomorrow, that is real clear today more than ever for me. Savor your time at work, working with the team to a common goal, enjoying like minded individuals, growing through successes and failures, savoring spouses and kids and being present.
On another note, I am reminded and grateful for the amazing gift we have of being a part of giving people new homes. Recently we went through the experience of our first home purchase (one we did not build) in Gulf Shores and I felt the excitement and the anticipation and dreaming of what it could be, what it could look like after I put my touch on it-what we could do in it-hosting, gathering, retreats etc. Such a great experience we offer people especially in a time when they have so much negative around them. There’s so much fun in the planning– – research shows the planning brings as much good feelings as the obtaining. Guys let’s together this week focus on gratitude and remembering how special our lives at work and home are. You are special to me and I am forever grateful for being able to do what I love with people I love. Have a great week!
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