I am grateful

He who receives a benefit with gratitude repays the first installment on his debt.

- Seneca (On Benefits, 2.22.1)

Today I laughed heartily - at myself and my cheapo tendencies. But what made it most fun was that the laughs were shared with a patient and generous woman (her title is "convention services manager") who was willing to join in on the amusement. (She laughed with me instead of getting irritated at me for asking if we might order an eighth rather than a fourth of a cheese and cracker plate, when the offer of a fourth was already a huge accommodation).

Recalling this instance brings a smile and causes me to want to recount some happenings lately for which I am grateful (just a few for now, more later):

- for Becky B. and the fun we're having planning an event (who knew talking about buffets and platters could be such delight? - thank you, Becky, it's the interaction with you that makes it so!);

- for son Seth playfully offering up a picture from the past (so good to see you emailing and back to your witty and dry humor, Seth, and I loved your invitation to "Name That Menning Brother!");

- for daughter Becky sharing her feelings and experiences with her folks (still do and always will love your expressiveness and sensitivity, Becky);

- for Gregg who listens to and loves me and even occasionally cooks for me (great chili tonight, Gregg '-)).

"Gratitude is riches. Complaint is poverty."
- Doris Day

All things but love

Resolved: this year

I'm going to break my losing streak,
I'm going to stay alert, reach out,
speak when not spoken to,
read the minds of people in the streets.
I'm going to practice every day,
stay in training, and be moderate
in all things.
All things but love.

~ Philip Appleman ~
(New and Selected Poems, 1956-1996)

I ask You, Lord Jesus, to develop in me, Your lover,
an immeasurable urge toward You,
an affection that is unbounded,
a longing that is unrestrained,
a fervor that throws discretion to the winds!
~ Richard Rolle ~

The Fire of Love

Saving the world

Just lately God has brought to mind some words of Paula D’Arcy, shared during a workshop she facilitated with Richard Rohr (that I heard via CD) entitled “A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life”:

In our 20s we’re all about “saving the world”

we think ‘bring it on’ we’re gonna make a difference

In our 30s we’re about “saving coupons”

figuring out the best ‘deals’ and navigating our days and ways

In our 40s we’re about “saving relationships”

telling our story, getting along best we can

In our 50s we’re about “saving our selves”

changing our priorities, experiencing neglected parts of self

In our 60s we’re about “saving the world”

full circle, but this time with wisdom and knowledge, with a giving out of love, gift, beauty, abundance.

I want to be farther along the way of saving the world in a 60s kind of way.

Less of me, much more of love.

Nourish yourself

Some wellness reading brought me to the tips below in an article at BlueCross BlueShield of MN "Healthy Living: Wellness Center" online, with "Eating Well" emphasis. I appreciate the attainable feel to the suggestions.

Take small steps. Work on one thing at a time. If you normally skip breakfast, make a pledge to eat something healthy in the morning five out of seven days a week. Make this your only goal until you have it down pat. Then move onto the next thing. Trying to do too much at once can leave you feeling overwhelmed, and you will be more likely to abandon the effort altogether.

Treat yourself well. You are as important as the next person. Ignoring your own needs can cause stress and resentment and eventually lead to overeating. If you work to feed your soul, you will be less likely to overfeed your body.

Nourish yourself in different ways:

• Take up a new hobby, or get back to one you have been putting off.
• Catch a movie with a friend or spouse.
• Get a massage or manicure.
• Buy a new workout outfit or a new pair of walking shoes.
• Practice meditating, or take a yoga class.
• Allow yourself to take an afternoon nap or a soothing bath.

Might I add - spend time with your grandbaby? (It's one of my 'feed your soul' activities!)

the thought that counts

“It’s the thought that counts.” Admittedly, sometimes we like our loved ones to follow a thought through with some action, but don’t our hearts (for both guys and gals) soften when we know there is loving thoughtfulness toward us?

It’s the thought that counts in more ways than consideration toward another. Here’s a rather odd application of how the thought affects the body:

A research study – that I read just recently and am fascinated by – looked at bringing attentive consciousness (thought!) to what was one was doing.

“Ellen Langer and Alia J. Crum, got hotel housekeepers who reported doing little or no exercise to recognize the physical nature of their jobs; telling half of a group of 84 that their days spent bending, stretching, and lifting were similar to workouts at a gym. Four weeks later, those 42 chambermaids had lost an average of 2 pounds each, reduced their percentage of body fat, and lowered their blood pressure – all while reporting no changes in eating habits, even less physical activity during their off hours, and (according to their bosses) the same level of work.” - from “The Art of Living Mindfully” about Ellen Langer’s work, in “The Chronicle Review” (Jan 8, 2010)

Whatever you do, do your work heartily (from the soul) as for the Lord rather than for men – Colossians 3:23

Intentions do matter. Being intentionally mindful makes a difference!

Mindful
Every day I see or hear something that more or less

kills me with delight, that leaves me like a needle

in the haystack of light.
It was what I was born for - to look, to listen,

to lose myself inside this soft world - to instruct myself over and over

in joy, and acclamation. Nor am I talking about the exceptional,

the fearful, the dreadful, the very extravagant -
but of the ordinary, the common, the very drab,

the daily presentations.

Oh, good scholar, I say to myself, how can you help

but grow wise with such teachings as these -
the untrimmable light

of the world, the ocean's shine, the prayers that are made

out of grass?

~ Mary Oliver ~ (Why I Wake Early)

Each of us

Each of us inevitable, Each of us limitless --

Each of us with his or her right upon the earth,

Each of us allow'd the eternal purports of the earth,

Each of us here as divinely as any is here.

~ Walt Whitman ~ (Leaves of Grass)