Gratefulness

It's what we often overlook, or forget, or simply don't reflect about.

It's all owed to us, right? Health, roof, love, food, money, friends, job, success...

Two weeks ago I received a great reminder of not taking things for granted, as hurricane Matthew, scheduled to brush or even hit the Southeast Florida coast as a cat. 4 storm, decided last minute to pass us a bit further east.

Enough east to spare South Florida, but not poor Haiti or the northern Florida coast.

Excluding Matthew, I witnessed seven hurricanes, severe ones like Andrew and smaller ones like Irene where I went to the beach to shoot. For me as a layperson, a category 4-storm is not fun, to phrase it very mildly.

Seems to me that now is a very opportune time to be grateful for what we have.

Your thoughts?

Sign "No Lifeguard on Duty" in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during Hurricane Irene. ©tckaiser

Gratitude

Every Thanksgiving, before I start the barbecue and make a turkey breast for the dinner invitation we have later that day, weather allowing I go for a motorcycle ride.

And already, that little custom of mine – both rituals, ride and 'cue, I celebrate without my wife's participation, who is busy preparing other dishes – hints at plenty of occasions to be thankful for. Typically this day's ride is slow and reflective, thinking of major events of the past months. I once had lost a riding buddy the previous summer, and found myself the whole ride in prayer for him and his family.

Unity of Fort Lauderdale taught me to thank the Lord for what I have and for what I affirm.

And if I open my eyes, there is so much more to be grateful for than to bitch about. Yes, I didn't close every single client this year I planned to; yes, my wife and I will have to move by end of January; yes, I didn't have time to do a major task this year so I have to face it next.

But when I look around, I am always astonished about blessings large and small, hiding within plain sight. A ride, a feast, a building, the love of friends and family, the fragrance of an orange groove  riding through it, recognition for a job well done, a happy client, a flourishing business, a beautiful basket of pears, my health, my marriage. I am grateful. Try it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Photo: Pears Bad Oynhausen/Lake Constance, ©tckaiser