Author photo

By Mel White 

Something to be thankful for every day

On the Bright Side

 

In spite of all the disasters, killing sprees, ugliness and uncertainty going on in our world today, there is always something to be thankful for.

Every morning when I wake up to a new day, I am thankful to be alive, to know that I can pretty much enjoy the coming day as I chose.

Every morning when I sit at the breakfast table and eat the food before me, I am thankful for the bounty in my refrigerator and cupboards. I am also thankful for the clothes I wear, and the medicines I take, and the computer that brings me news, ideas and oftentimes smiles and belly laughs.

Every morning when I get in my car to go to work, I am thankful for my transportation and that I have the means to get myself where I need to go. I am also thankful for the streets I drive, and the trees and flowers and bushes – and people and pets – I see on my way.

Every morning when I get to work, I am thankful for other drivers who drive courteously - carefully and aware and not on a cell phone - so that we all may arrive safely at our destinations.

Every morning when I get to work, I am thankful that I have work to do. I am also thankful for the people I work with, who make my work more rewarding, meaningful and happy; I am thankful for all the inspiration I get from all the other creative people.

Every day at lunch I am thankful again for the food I eat. I am also thankful that I am often able to share my lunchtime with people I enjoy talking to and being with, and for the many choices we have of places to eat. And if people aren't available, I'm thankful for the good books I enjoy reading when eating alone.

Every evening when I come home from work, I am thankful for my home. I'm thankful for every room and rug and rafter - for the walls that keep the heat in and the cold out; for the furniture that keeps me comfortable and the lights that let me read or craft; for the running water that keeps me healthy and clean; for the ceiling that keeps the rain and the snow off my head.

Every evening when I can spend time with family or friends, I am thankful that we have each other. I am thankful for the time we have to experience things together and the chances we have to learn more about each other; I am thankful for every laugh that gets bigger and more hearty and joyful when shared, and for every sorrow that gets smaller and less consuming when shared.

Every evening when I can be in my yard – even just sitting in the porch swing, gazing at the scenery and listening to the birds – I am thankful for the flowers that bloom and the leaves that fall and the moisture that brings life to it all; I am thankful for the constant reminders of living things and changing seasons all around me.

Every evening when I watch television or listen to music or read a book, I am thankful for what strangers share - their experiences, opinions, talents, skills and knowledge - for my entertainment or education. I am thankful that there is always something new to learn, new perspectives to ponder, new eyes through which to see this big, magnificent world.

Every night when I go to bed, I am thankful for the day I've had and for the people who touched my life that day; I am also thankful for those whose lives I may have touched.

There is so much to be thankful for every day, and I am grateful that I know enough to be thankful for all of the blessings in my life, both big and small.

© Marilda Mel White Mel, local writer/photographer and co-owner of Tehachapi Treasure Trove, has been looking on the bright side for various publications since 1996. She welcomes your comments at morningland@msn.com

 
 

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