Grateful

In the midst of day-to-day hustle and bustle, “To Do” lists a mile long, and even holidays that focus on receiving rather than giving, I am grateful.  In fact, one of the things that I am being intentional about this fresh, new year, is gratitude.  We receive blessings and gifts each and every day of our lives.  Whether or not we see and recognize them involves intention and discipline.

It often takes unexpected events or even tragedy to give reason to pause, reflect and give that recognition.

Today, may I say I am grateful for a kid, who has repeatedly exercised courage.

He hasn’t complained.

Not even once.

He had some poignant and very viable questions.

He exercised tremendous self-discipline and resolve.

I am also overwhelmingly grateful for physicians who care.

Dr. Barth Riedel has been a godsend to our family.

Educated at Seattle Pacific University, and practicing research at the University of Washington prior to coming to California; he has been personable, compassionate, and benevolent; while reminding us of commonalities that bring people together.  My brother went to Seattle Pacific, loved the UW and shared many of Dr. Riedel’s passions; making him so relevant to our family.

Oh, and hysterically funny and “cool.”

He has true passion for what he does, and wants to share it.  In fact, you can’t help but become excited around him; about life, family, Starbucks, the Pacific Northwest, and football.  Oh, and medicine.  Let’s not forget to squeeze that in there.  He’s adorable, and extremely good at what he does.  ( If you love Leadership Education, you get that pursuing passion = competence and extraordinary feats. He’s a walking advertisement, while being extremely ADD!)

At the end of the day, and quite honestly at some point, the end of this life; it isn’t that one special gift or that extraordinary experience.  It is the day in and day out, faithful, consistent choices that matter.  They make up the constitution of who we are, how we respond, and outcomes to most everything.

It is dangerously easy, in the pursuit of that special “something”or that experience extraordinaire to whiz by the quiet, seemingly simple but so very significant blessings.

This year, I will practice intention and choice to do no such thing.

To me, this picture speaks beauty, and peace, and the privilege of still living in a country where people practice their craft and expertise with pride, diligence and care.  It testifies to fortune and privilege to be able to mend what is broken; looking forward to healing. It reminds me to slow down, and to practice both patience and faith for the next two months while that healing takes place.

In my world view, it is all because of the love, care and guidance of an awesome God.

I took great comfort in this painting; prolifically displayed at Loma Linda.

Yes, today, and every day in 2013, I will recognize blessings and exhibit gratitude.

For there is daily opportunity to reflect upon both.

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