Magnetic Gratitude

"Let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessing." - Henry Ward Beecher

Here is the list of what I found, just in the first couple of hours of one recent day:

·        The taste of maple syrup.

Nature's Bounty

·        Cat purring at my feet.

·        Jan's head on my shoulder.

·        Muscles, after exercise, aching just enough for me to be aware of them, aware of the grand design of the human body.

·        Hot water, soap, soft towel.

·        Composers of music, writers of songs.

·        A job to go to today, with the promise of a paycheck next week.

·        The marvels of radio broadcasts and internet communication.

Jane Kenyon, in a poem entitled "Otherwise," lists the simple pleasures of her day ("ripe, flawless peach," "I took the dog uphill") set against the haunting refrain, "It might have been otherwise."

Indeed, it might. Tune your heart to thankful, sweep it through the next few hours, and just see what gifts and blessings you discover!

--by Bill

     The manuscript to be published soon, we hope, is titled Better by Choice: Deciding and Discerning. It brings together elements of making decisions in the business world, arriving at inspired discernment, supported by psychological understandings. The Distinguished Toastmaster award (DTM) is the highest achievement a member can receive. It includes accomplishing goals in both communication and leadership. The Compassionate Friends (TCF) is a support group for bereaved parents who have lost children through death. They helped bring me through the gravity of grief following the death of our son, Wade.

   As I stood on the banquet room stage last Saturday receiving my DTM medal, I looked out at all of the people who helped me get there. When I  called, they responded; when I  needed help, they lifted me up. I invited people of various gifts and experiences to the Focus Group and asked them for input. They stimulated conversation and contributed information far beyond what I could have come up with by myself. I accepted the role as TCF chapter leader and asked the Steering Committee for continued support. They filled the gaps with keeping financial records, and newsletter and website editing.

     But I had to ask. That's not easy for me. My default position is helping others, not admitting my own needs. I am grateful to Sister Margaret who helped me see. She opened my eyes-- and my heart--to my greater need, to be closer to God. I had to ask God to bring me closer. I found myself asking God how Better by Choice, the DTM, and the Compassionate Friends fulfills the divine design for my life. 

     They are all ways to say thank you, to give back. I am grateful. Sometimes I forget to say thank you to God for allowing me to ask.