There was a time when you were mostly reminded of gratitude when you were complaining about something. For example, growing up, my cousins and I regularly heard about starving children in Africa whenever we complained about what was on our plates. That was one of the most consistent messages about learning to be grateful.
Being that Thanksgiving just passed and my children haven’t skipped a beat and jumped right into Christmas beg mode, gratitude is at the forefront of my mind these days.
Our neighbors invited us to their home for Thanksgiving dinner. We had declined the year before but took up their kind offer this year. At the end of dinner, everyone shared who they admired most and why. There were so many tears in that room. The gratitude was overflowing. I was reminded that it’s so important to let people know what they mean to you. It’s even better to do it in person. So, not surprisingly, I’m thinking of who and what I’m grateful for. Walk with me.
Gratitude for the kindness of strangers
Recently, I decided to leave the house to do some writing. I thought a change of scenery would be good. So, I went to a coffee shop, ordered some lunch and sat outside to eat it. Once I was done writing and ready to go, I realized my keys were no where to be found. I looked all over and stopped a custodian to let me look through the trash he was about to empty. I had shop owners in the whole plaza on the lookout. A woman saw how frantic I was and asked what was wrong. I told her that I was supposed to be headed to pick up my kids from school and had lost my keys. She left her husband eating lunch alone and sprang into action.
Our running around from shop to shop caught the attention of another woman who asked me if I was looking for keys. I told her yes and she said she’d heard someone turn in keys in a restaurant next door. She left her son at the table while she ran inside to ask about the keys. They were mine. Both ladies were relieved that my keys had been found. I hugged them both with all my might as I fought back tears. Both of the ladies were moms and had compassion for another mom.
Gratitude for being uncomfortable
My son was looking over my shoulder as I made notes for this post and he wanted to know why I was grateful for being uncomfortable. I told him it’s because that’s how you grow. Here’s the thing. We moved from Los Angeles in 2017 and set up our life in Orange County. There are lots of differences between the two areas. Diversity being chief among them. As a result, there have been some uncomfortable moments. I’ve dealt with really interesting comments and blatant disrespect without losing my ish.
Grateful for my parents.
They have talked for years about moving to California to be with me and my family. I should note I’m my mom’s only kid and I’m my dad’s youngest. In November of this year, it happened. My mom now has a California address with my Dad planning to join soon. My kids are still getting used to it and love being able to see her everyday. Here’s the beautiful thing. I got to share my gratitude with her and admiration for her in a room full of people on Thanksgiving at our neighbors home. Being able to thank her for literally packing her life up in her car and driving across the country to live here was beautiful. I know it is not easy to change your whole life like that and I’m so grateful.
