Gratitude: A Year or So Ago

A year or so ago, long after it had become clear that I could no longer be on my feet for very long, I purchased a walker to help me go for a walk. I had not used it much because I was uncomfortable being seen with it. Even well-meaning people in this culture are unsure how to relate to the disabled and I preferred not to attract attention. Unfortunately, that also meant that I didn’t get out much. I had begun to take walks around my little neighborhood, but I had never used it for shopping and had not gone shopping for quite some time. I needed something from the store, so on this day I chose to take the walker shopping. I felt really grateful to have it and happy to be shopping again.

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough. Oprah Winfrey

Passing through the aisles of clothing racks, I heard a young male voice asking if I needed help finding something. Surprised to see a man in the women’s racks, I asked "Oh, do you work here?" "Yes," he said, and in a strong and animated voice volunteered, "I’m so happy to be here. I’m happy with what I have, so grateful to have this job. It’s a choice you know," he said, "a choice I make every morning when I wake up. I choose to be happy, to be grateful. I do it every day. You can too. Everyone can." He was enthusiastic and inspiring but there was also a tone of uncertainty under his words. It was as if he was repeating an affirmation to convince himself, but I felt very moved by his words and the attitude he expressed.

Gratitude is the open door to abundance.  Buddha

I said, "I have two things to say to you: Hallelujah and God Bless you." Without hesitation and lowering his voice a bit, he said "you know him too?" "Yes, I do," I said. We shared a quiet moment of connection. "And there’s a reason why he put you in my path today."

Gratitude for the present moment and the fullness of life now is the true prosperity. – Eckhart Tolle

I told him about my choice to use the walker today. He erupted with joy and a huge bright smile. "Do it," he said! "You need to get out and do things! You need to be around people. Live your life. Be happy!" This time there was no uncertainty underlying his words.

"I will, I am!" I said thanking him as inwardly I thanked God for this grace filled encounter. And with the support of my walker, I strolled around the store and happily found what I was looking for, an item of clothing in the intention colors of the upcoming West of Heaven retreat.

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was “thank you” that would suffice. Meister Eckhart

I do say thank you. Like a mantra, the prayer “Thank You God” is frequently in my breath and my heart, and it leads me to feelings of Presence, my connection point with the Divine Light. It leads me to contentment, and to peace, the true blessings that are God’s gifts to us all.

Rejoice and be thankful! Trust is the channel through which My Peace flows into you. Thankfulness lifts you up above your circumstances. Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

Karen R., CLM  student