Thanks for the Little Things

Been a while, I know, I know. . . my thoughts today center around a quote/poem (as usual) by Helen Steiner Rice. "Thank you, God, for little things that often come our way. The things we take for granted and don't mention when we pray. The unexpected courtesy, the thoughtul, kindly deed, a hand reached out to help us in the time of sudden need."

How true this statement is for me. I sometimes forget to thank the person I need to the most often, and this poem reminds me to be grateful for all that I have been given and continue to receive.

Changing the world . . .

“As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world as in being able to remake ourselves.” --Mahatma Gandhi

If we want to make a difference in the world, whether that be a large or small difference, we need to first focus on ourselves. In doing so, don't you think that that--in and of itself--is what will then in turn change the world? Really, if we focus on being great ourselves, our world around us will be a better place.

Irish Blessing

May there always be work for your hands to do; May your purse always hold a coin or two; May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. And may you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you're dead.

Helen Keller said, "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love becomes a part of us." On this day, Friday the 13th, while people out there are focusing on the negative, let's take a moment and focus on the love and goodness in our lives instead.

Common Daily Stuggles

So as I left the parking lot today after getting groceries, I was cut off by some idiot thinking they just HAD to get somewhere so fast that they risk the lives of all those around them. I start fuming inside myself, and my thoughts wander to that dark place where all I do is focus on the negative. My mind starts counting all of the things going wrong in my life at the time, and I realize with a sudden start that I am focusing on things that will bring me down for no reason. All this--just because someone is driving badly? What was my problem? So I turn on the radio, find a song I can sing along to (loudly, since no body can hear me but myself and the ghosts in the engine of my car), and start purposefully counting all of the things I have to be grateful for. This is an exercise I do often, whenever I recognize the "little green monsters" are attacking me from all sides. Unfortunately, I have to do this activity often. Music seems to help the most. It takes me to a place where nothing else matters and I can focus on what is good. Which is a lot - we all have so much to be so grateful for. If we would but count the blessings we have each day, we would realize we have so much. As I was pulling into my driveway, thinking of the dishes, laundry, scrubbing, and "life" I had to face when I walked through the door--I smiled. Thank goodness I have those things in my life to plague me. They should be a blessing because they exist for me--not a curse.

So Close!

I am almost done! I finished the final edit--now my manuscript is off to the designers to turn into a real book! The cover is finished and now I am supposed to be helping with the design of my web page. On a sad note; today as I was visiting my son's grave, I discovered his January stuffed animals had been taken. I could tell there had been a recent burial, so I assume a little kid wandered over, saw cute stuffed animals, and decided to help themselves. I know these things happen, and it won't stop me from putting more animals out each month, but I have to wonder--what do these kids' parents think when they see the new toys? Makes you go hmmmmm....

Almost Done!

So I am near the finish line with the "tweaking" on my book. I can't wait to see it in print! Now I have to decide all the little details and such that go into the cover. Wish me luck as I continue on this bittersweet journey!