Wow, a week has past without the inspiration to write. I have been "getting through." I have this " I will land on solid ground when...." attitude. I will be good when I start my new job, when I get my new house, when my parent's come and go back home. Getting through is not living in the present, nor is it a place where I practice gratitude.
My parent's just left. They came for my son's 5th grade graduation. Holy smokes...it's quite the production. I have a "parental hangover" as my dear friend calls it. My inner 12 year old feels a bit judged. At 47 you would think I would be over needing my parent's approval. Guess again. It's evidence that I am currently not spiritually fit. So, I decided I would be grateful for qualities I like in them.
My Dad loves to stay in B&B's. He is probably the most social person I know. He creates friendship and connectedness where ever he goes. When they departed, my father had gathered a number of emails from his "new friends" at the Inn. One couple will be passing though my home town and they are invited to stop by. That is how I was raised. Both my parent's have done volunteer work since I can remember.
My father is an inspiration. He lives his life truly connecting with people. He acknowledges others and makes them feel listened to and affirmed. I could go on and on giving you examples of how he creates connections, but I will just give you one...as I am exhausted. I will do a more heart-filled tribute to my father some other time.
He doesn't pay at the gas pump. He feels that the person inside behind the counter might like a friendly smile and a quick hello. I like this philosophy. We can go about our lives without making contact with the people who are right in front of us. So often I see people on their phones when they are in the grocery line. How about hanging up and acknowledging that someone is being of service to you?
Last week I drove by a lemonade stand. The little children were waving their hands in the air saying "Please stop, please stop." I drove by like I usually do. Then...I turned around. There was an opportunity to create some joy. I got out of the car and they started screaming "She's coming, she's coming." It felt good.
My challenge to you is to ask yourself "what can I do to acknowledge and connect with others today?" Enjoy the beauty surrounding you.
I can just picture those little girl's faces, as this beautiful lemonade angel approached them. The fact that you can write a gratitude story about your Dad in the midst of a parental hangover is a testament to your resilience and beauty of soul. You amaze me.
ReplyDeleteyou know how after you post a comment you have to enter a word for verification? well the word I was just given to enter was "finest". That's you- Finest love, finest grace, finest gratitude, finest friend.
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