A Day of Gifts
July 08, 2013
Last week was a tough week. Why is it every time I schedule
some down time for myself, everything seems to go wrong? Nothing major, just a
series of minorly-worrying events that taken together made me feel battered by
week’s end.
Finally, Saturday came—a day of noticing the gifts right
under my nose and a chance to rebalance. Some of Saturday’s gifts:
- A strong breeze and cloud cover that kept the temps in the mid-80s, practically unheard of for this time of year.
- A truly awesome ride on Tank, after wondering if I’d be able to ride at all. I spent many hours last week dealing with a persistent skin problem on Tank’s hindquarters and back (the so delightfully-named rain rot) that left him sensitive to even fingertip touch—so sensitive that I thought there might be something more seriously wrong with him. During our ride, he was so relaxed and responsive I think he enjoyed it, too.
- Homemade blackberry and cream scones to go with my afternoon tea, drunk from a teapot/cup set that was a gift from a friend.
- An afternoon spent reading a library book—and isn’t the library one of the greatest gifts of all?
These simple pleasures helped me remember how many gifts I
really have—good health, a family I love, precious friends, amazing animals,
and resources for entertainment and education through the library. So many
gifts, if I stop to notice them.
What gifts have you noticed lately?
8 comments
Downtime, friendship, and small gestures of kindness have been on my radar lately. It does take slowing down to see them, though.
ReplyDeleteHope the rump rot has improved and you're having a better week.
So sorry you had a stressful week, but glad you could de stress some on Saturday. We've had stress around here lately too, dealing with my mom after a fall. So the gifts I've focused on are my husband's wonderful caring nature and taking care of me, along with my brother and his wife being here to visit mom.
ReplyDeleteLaure--Rump rot is definitely improving and he's looking good right now. I'm really concentrating on slowing down and paying attention to the details of daily life. I seem to be chronically in a rush and stressing myself out.
ReplyDeleteCheryl--Sorry to hear about your mom. That would be stressful. I'm glad you've got family love and support to lean on.
ReplyDeleteI love looking over other shoulders to see what things others are grateful for. You are right that there are so many things around us - it just takes some awareness and openness to take them in. I am grateful for the cycles of our days - that I get to lay my head down at night on my pillow for some rest and I wake up to the new-ness of a fresh day. I love the welcome sense of "coming home" even after an enjoyable get-away. Topping the list for sure are friends and family.
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ReplyDeleteI have been feeling happy and grateful too, Kathy. Mostly for my family and friends ... and blogging friends such as you too!
ReplyDeleteKathy M.
Kathy--Glad to hear you're feeling happy. Maybe partly due to the fact that you're also feeling grateful? :)
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