One morning last week as I was out on my deck watering the plants, I was feeling a little down. Wondering why, when all around me, there was beauty as far as I could see. As I heard my pastor say this weekend,
“I was moving into my anger and setting up camp there.”
At that moment, a hummingbird came and hovered right in front of my face about five feet away. She just stayed there with her bright pink head shimmering in the sunlight. Tears came to my eyes. The wonder of nature—snapping me back—it might as well have been a baseball bat! But, it was the gentle nudge of nature to wake me to focus on God.
And, being grateful.
For being sober one more day. For being able to witness nature in all of its splendor. For my precious and devoted husband who always reminds me that everything will be ok. My dog, who reminds me of unconditional love. My family. My health. That I am forgiven. That I can begin anew I don’t have to live in the shame of the past.
Grateful that I don’t have to drink over circumstances anymore. That I can show up sober to help my fellows stay sober, just like others did for me—BECAUSE of my weaknesses—to show them we are alike and that they can do this life sober too.
As I look around, I can see all the evil forces in the world trying to steal my joy. I believe there is a spiritual battle going on that we don’t see. It all depends on what we focus on. Angry people, deceptive plans, crazy thinking displayed in wrongful actions—are all there to distract me from what is really important. I am grateful to God for the small things on which to focus.
My husband brought this quote to my attention:
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life...It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, and a stranger into a friend.” Melody Beattle
Choosing gratitude today.
How about you?
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
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