Gratitudes

Sometimes when I’m blue, I like to think of small things I’m grateful for. Thinking of the big things is not always helpful, even if they’re as big as friends, family and faith. Little gratitudes ease distress better than big ones sometimes.

For example, I am grateful for:

*two-sided tape, paper clips in bright colors, sticky notes, the ball point pen;

*trowels with red handles, rain before dawn, the miracle of compost and quarter-inch hardware cloth for frustrating chipmunks;

*green abrasive pads, hot water and spray bottles;

*big purses with lots of zippers, orange sandals, key chains with lights;

*red coffee mugs, dark roasted whole beans, the noise of the coffee pot perking;

*the sight of a big dog at a full run, legs stretching as far as they can reach, ears streaming behind, tail straight and both of us smiling;

*a goldfinch on a thistle I missed in weeding, picking out seeds for his dinner; and—

*a good scolding from a mockingbird.

I feel better already and there’s much more stuff even littler than this yet to list.


Above: Fidelity, acrylic on canvas, 12x12 inches. Copyright 2008 ptw.