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Friday, September 17, 2010

Grattitude

I went shopping today while my daughter was at preschool. I was feeling so grateful for two hours to myself to stock up on groceries for the next week of meals. I zoomed that big cart around the store, loading up on family favorites and making sure we had the necessary essentials to run the house. As I was waiting to check out, I was marveling at how little time it took me to complete the list, but becoming frustrated at how long the check out was. Why don't they call another checker to the front of the store. Just then I felt a tap on my elbow and an elderly lady was standing before me, asking for help. She explained that she just had back surgery and had not fully recovered. Her current predictament was that her shoe was untied and would I mind terribly to tie it for her. Of course I didn't give it a second thought - I even made small talk about how many shoes I tied in a day. I did, however, give pause. How easily it is to take for granted the ability to tie my shoes, to be in good health and bend over to pick up my child. To be given the ability to tie my daughter's shoes without the obstacle of a disablity. My grattitude began to grow. As I helped the lady load her groceries in her car, she commented to me how happy she was to live here - everyone was so nice and helpful. It was just the best place to live. She had been an army life and lived all over the world. As I loaded my groceries into the car, I began to wonder if everyone felt the same way - that where they lived was the best place as you could always find a helpful person.
My challenge to you this week is to make your neighborhood the best place - the place where people in need are not afraid to ask for help, and when they ask, they will recieve help without pause. I also challenge you to take a moment to be thankful for the things we so easily take for granted in our daily routine.  So the next time your toddler is dancing around while you are trying to tie her shoes as you are already running late, be thankful for the ability to do so. Before you know it she will be tying her own shoes.
This photograph a lovely reminder of the gratitude we should show throughout our daily routine. Get your own copy from StephanieMoors.  Stephanie just opened this Etsy shop and I'm sure she would love for you to stop by and give it some love.

15 comments:

  1. Beautiful post, and great reminder! We often forget the good things we have to focus on the bad parts.

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  2. I accept the challenge! thanks for such a great blog post.

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  3. This post is truly beautiful. You are so right. As parents we are always rushing from one thing to the next and it can be tough to really appreciate all of the things we have -especially the trivial things we take for granted. I am going to take your challenge, and up the ante. I believe that this is a way of life, a life long commitment to at least try every day. Thanks for posting this!

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  4. This is the most beautiful thing I have read in a long time! Thank you so much Misti! I needed this today!

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  5. Thanks for this heartwarming post, Misti! So well written. Today you opened my heart. :) Gratitude is a wonderful feeling!

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  6. Misti: Lovely! Thank You for sharing....Now I have to go tie my 3 year old's shoes!! :O)

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  7. thanks for the reminder- it's so true. Bless you for helping the sweet lady- you were her guardian angel at that moment.

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  8. You have such a way with words. From someone who has been feeling like nothing can go fast enough so I can get everything done this week....to reading this.... really gave me pause and inspiration. Thank you! Love this!

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  9. What a beautiful and up-building experience! It truly is moments like these that reaffirm my belief that there are plenty of kind and decent people left on this earth. ^_^

    I, for my part, always do what I can to make people feel comfortable and welcome to ask for any kind of help. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  10. Great inspiration. I like the way you think.

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  11. Wonderful post. It only takes one moment to make someone's day special.

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  12. What a lovely post. A tiny ripple in a pond effects the entire body of water.
    I have passed on an award to you the Recognizing Your Talent blog award was bestowed on me and I happily pass it on to you. Hugs!

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  13. Quite an inspirational post, thank you!

    FYI...I followed a link from Be Well Crafts to find you..:-)

    Blessings & a bit o' sunshine!
    Ruthi
    http://cafepressabitosunshine.blogspot.com

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  14. I have to comment again at what a beautiful post this is. We need a reminder that we live in the world with others we are not islands totally isolated.

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  15. Yes, what a beautiful sentiment that we think of too infrequently. There is so much to be grateful for!

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