Gifts & Graces
Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.
A. A. Milne (Winnie-the-Pooh)
Here’s my random gratitude collection of mostly small but sometimes large things that helped make May better.
New Leaves on Our Gingko Tree. Our ginkgo tree has the most beautiful tiny leaves in spring. I particularly love this tree for several reasons. First, it was a surprise gift from my husband. Second, it’s unusual enough that it stands out for me from all the other (equally regal but more ordinary) trees in our neighborhood. Since it’s right outside the kitchen window, I notice how it changes during the year. Early in spring, the emerging leaves looked like tiny bird feathers. Now (I finally remembered to take a photo), they are perfect, distinctively shaped ginkgo leaves in miniature.
A Great Haircut. There’s something about having a good haircut that makes me feel more confident going out into the world. And part of that is having a great hairdresser. I love the salon I go to. I don’t know if it’s deliberate, but this place captures the essence of hospitality. They always make me feel special and seem happy to see me (and there’s nothing more indulgent feeling than having someone else wash your hair!). We catch up on what’s happening in our lives, and I usually get new book recommendations. And the absolute best is trusting your hairdresser enough to say something like “I think I want to try something new” and knowing that I’ll walk out with a new style that looks great and fits my “can’t be bothered to fuss over it” lifestyle.
Travel With Family. This one can sometimes be a mixed bag, but I recently had a great family vacation. I realized once again that I really like my sister, and we have a great time together. Although in recent years we’ve made an effort to talk more regularly, nothing takes the place of actually being together in the same place, picking out things to do for the day, discussing new books, sharing meals, and inventing (and consuming!) a “signature cocktail” for the vacation. I’m also humbled and inspired by the energy level of my Mom, who consistently does more in a day than I do.
A closing prayer
Dear God, please help me pay attention to the many gifts and graces 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.
Falling Up After 50 
I always look forward to gifts and graces. I love the way you find things that immediately grab me: the Winnie The Pooh quote, the way you feel and appreciate the fact that you “like” your sister (bc, as we know, loving someone doesn’t always mean liking that someone), the way your creative eye notices the changes in the leaves on a tree, and the prayers you so eloquently create. I’m getting my hair cut and colored on Friday and you have (almost) inspired me to let Sam do as she pleases (flashback to the “In The Spirit of Sean” debacle from decades ago when Pete said to me upon my return home, “Well, maybe once you comb it, it will look better.” To which I replied, “It is combed.”). I am drinking my coffee (at my computer, not outside….) with a warmth in my heart that will hopefully last for the bulk of the day.
“We’ll be friends forever, won’t we, Pooh?” asked Piglet. “Even longer,” Pooh answered.
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The whole hair thing is always a challenge. I’m really lucky with Lisa – she knows what would be too much for me, so although I tell her to do whatever she wants, she knows what will look good and what I’ll be comfortable with. But I remember so many bad haircuts in our past (i.e. perms that caused us to go out and buy hats, etc.) Mike now knows to only comment on my hair by asking if I like it, and then saying it looks very nice 🙂
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Hi Cathy. I like all your messages but I loved this one! You are so right about your Mom, she is amazing. Best, Margaret
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Thanks, Margaret! Mom sure is an inspiration. I just hope that I stay as active as involved when I’m her age.
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I echo all the sentiments here… thanks (again) Cathy for sharing your faith with us. I too am drinking coffee in front of a computer screen :> I am once again in wonderment how doing small things God asks us to do (like pray) returns a multiple of goodness. Thanking Him fills me with comfort and peace…
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Maybe some mornings this summer we can join each other in morning coffee outside, enjoying a peaceful start to the day! It’s a great way to start the day off right (although I often forget this truth and drink my coffee as I scan email, feeling like there’s not enough time to just enjoy the morning…)
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