I gaze upon the beauty of the live landscape artistry before me. Majestic mounds of granite surround my every direction. As the sun illuminates the fresh moisture of the season, every sparkle glints new color and light. The sharp air hits my nostril and I feel alive, full. I assume a posture of humility as I reflect in my new environment. The impossible, possible. The probable, sure. This gift of home and lifestyle a dream come true.
It's all more real as my little dream comes crashing down with a single phone call. He's been in an accident. He's being checked out but the car is totaled. One decision changes the course of our lives and those around us. In the moment, the overwhelming fear that everything we have worked for and didn't deserve could be stripped from us. Job security? Marriage? As I was spinning out of control in my fear, a sentiment deep within assured me that this too will pass and we will be better for it. From this stance, I was able to be grateful. Grateful, that although rolled, smashed, and marred our safe vehicle protected my husband and allowed him to come home to me.
The gratitude that accompanies peace and joy is a liveable state of being. It's realizing we can't accomplish success or overcome trials on our own, rather we need the guidance of God and the help of family and friends. It comes from knowing there's no earthly way to repay the time and resources loved ones have provided, setting a standard to pay it forward someday. Gratitude is the overwhelming joy that a need was met exceeding all expectations. It's why we root for the underdog. It's why we put ourselves out there beyond the bounds of comfort and routine. Because a world filled with people practicing exuberant gratitude is safe, welcoming, nurturing: a life restored.
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