Gifts & Graces: February 2022

Here’s my random gratitude collection of mostly small but sometimes large things that helped make February better.

The public library. To be honest, the library is perennially on my gratitude list. I love the fact that I can get almost any book I want from their inter-library system by requesting it online; they email when it shows up at the local branch waiting for me, and it’s free! Covid has pushed me to become more familiar with the digital options available, so I’ve figured out how to get a new ebook anytime I want, and I don’t even have to put on shoes.

Fudge. Specifically, the annual fudge fundraiser for the Friends of the Library. Yeah, I snuck in another library-related item. But this is totally deserved and its own special kind of decadent gift. They have located the most amazing fudge! In flavors that I have never even seen before (including the deliciousness of salted caramel and dark chocolate, cookies and cream with white fudge, and white chocolate raspberry swirl). And while I won’t go to a store and buy 3 pounds of fudge for myself, I’m all in for a chance to support the library and an excuse to deliver some unexpected sweet surprises to a few other people (probably, maybe, before I eat it all myself).

A pretty bowl for morning fruit. I’ve been trying to eat more fruit (who am I kidding, I’m trying to eat any fruit). For some reason, I struggle with this. It’s partly the whole washing and cutting up process involved with so many fruits, but I think it’s mostly just habit. I don’t know why, but putting it in a pretty bowl seems to make all the difference. I just love the color and shape of this bowl. It makes my fruit look so appealing that I don’t mind the prep. Now, instead of being a chore, I enjoy taking the time to arrange my fruit in the bowl and admire how appealing it looks.

Looking up. As much as my mind often wants to think life is all about me, looking up at the night sky reminds me of my place in the universe. I try to remember to take a look every night and acknowledge that it’s a big place, and I’m a tiny corner of it all.

A closing prayer

Dear God, please help me pay attention to the many gifts and graces that you bring to my life. Let me gratefully acknowledge the people and things that fill my days with joys that range from small comforts to immense love. And thank you, God, for being with me each day. I am humbled and inspired by how Your Spirit works through the actions of so many people. Amen.