I opened my peepers only enough to see it was already light
outside. I quickly closed my eyes again
and actually napped a bit. 
Just as I had closed my eyes, I groaned inside and slammed the door on
my thoughts. I pulled the blanket up higher
and drifted off again. The next time I awoke, I knew the time had come. Whether I wanted to start the day or not, I needed to get up and face it.
After a better night’s sleep than I’ve had for awhile, one
would think I’d have been ready to bounce out of bed ready to tackle anything
that would cross my path. Why was I so reluctant to begin another day? Oh there
were a whole list of reasons—but even to myself, they sounded flimsy. The
thought of meeting a friend for the evening meal, finally gave me the impetus
to get out of bed.
After a bit of breakfast, I was still struggling to know
which of the things on my list I should tackle, when I heard the lawnmower in
the front lawn. Since I have lived in
this house, my kind and gentle neighbour has mowed my lawn. He refuses to tell me how much I owe him. He
says “Just a little something now and then.”
Even as his MS progresses, making walking more difficult all the time,
he faithfully does the job saying he needs to keep going as long as he can.
I went to the front porch to give him my “little something.” As always, he stopped the mower and chatted
for a while. This spring there were two
deaths in his family, in quick succession.
The stress from that and a few other unfortunate incidents in the same
time period have had their effects on his physical strength and ability. Yet his cheerful conversation although
acknowledging the difficulty, was full of things for which he is thankful.
I returned to my house not only thankful for a good
neighbour, but also for the new perspective he gave me. If he can be so thankful, then most certainly
I can lay aside my blue mood and give thanks for my many blessings.
4 comments:
Oh Ruth. Isn't this the truth. I learn so much from you about attitude and gratitude. And what a lovely blessing this generous soul is to you, I am sure. Not to mention an encouragement to kick of those wretchedly warm blankets and face the world head on.
Yep. It's all about perspective sometimes.
And sweet drawings that I know you did!
Thanks, Glynis! Yes, I do have many blessings, my neighbour included--and you as well.
Ruth, it's a joy to see how you and your neighbour's mutually shared kindnesses result in benefits for you both. Your characteristic vulnerability in sharing with us such glimpses into your life provides insights into how a spirit of gratitude helps you overcome, despite circumstances and 'blue' feelings. You're teaching life lessons! ~~+~~
I often need a reminder to be thankful, so here's a bowlful of thanks for you.
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