G is for Gratitude

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. " Melody Beattie

"At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by the spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with great gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." Albert Schweitzer

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." John F. Kennedy

I think of the word "gratitude" because I have to work hard every day to realize that no matter that my life has been a soap opera, I do have things for which I am thankful. I have survived an abusive childhood, losing a child, marriage to a man who tried to hide his mental illness until he finally killed himself leaving me with two children to raise on my own, several chronic and painful diseases and surgeries with excruciating rehabilitation, loneliness, and financial difficulties.

However, that said, I remain hard-wired as an eternal optimist, a romantic who never stops dreaming of being loved by someone special, and a lover of travel, continuing to dream of my next adventure with all the photographic opportunities to be gained. I'm grateful that God gifted me with faith, mercy, and the gift of exhortation. I'm grateful for the strength He's given me to endure all things and for the gift of my daughters and grandchildren. I'm also grateful that He gave me enough brains and common sense to be able to overcome the difficulties I've had to face. Most of all, I'm grateful for the gift of a sense of humour and a love of being a bit crazy and goofy. My poem today is about gratitude and I took the photo on Saturday night.

Gratitude

Gratitude is gracious green.

It looks like roses in a summer scene.

It sounds like laughter doubled by wonder.

It smells like rain after the thunder.

It tastes like the turkey for which I thank.

It feels like a powerful piggy bank.

Gratitude is showing heartfelt thanks.

Special thanks to Denise Nesbitt for continuing with ABC Wednesday and to all of her Genial Gang of Groovy Gallants who Give support by sharing the task of the weekly introduction and by visiting the rest of us.