Seated in silence, becoming aware of all life around us, of how we have been blessed, even if there has been much hardship, heartache and pain, we become aware of two words: ‘Thank you.’
Sadly, and often too frequently, we take so many things for granted, whereas, at every moment, we could be saying ‘Thank you’ to life, acknowledging the many blessings that have come our way. The saddest thing is when people are so sunk in their own misery that they fail to see the riches around them. Or the unexpected kindness of strangers.
This morning, for instance, the bell rang and when I went there was a woman, perhaps in her forties, rummaging in her purse, and I thought at first she was wanting to sell me something or advertise her skills as a cleaner or gardener. But she drew out an envelope with had my name and address on it, on the other side the name of my hairdresser, and inside thirty five pounds. She had found it in the street where clearly I had dropped it. It was her second visit to check that I was the person before handing it over. I said ‘God bless you, and thank you.’ It was one of those special moments.
Dear James…….I could not agree with you more. I try to remember which of the more recent Archbishops who said ,” I go to bed grateful and wake up thankful……” (Or similar – I might not have got it exactly right) But to say “Thank you” for every gift, blessing, kind remark or act of love, is important. It defines us, and it sustains us.
Last Autumn, in London, I dropped my wallet (Money, train tickets and all my cards) on the floor of a taxi………….the cab driver came searching for me as I waited on L.St Station, lost, and destitute ! All I could do was to say,”Thank you” – he refused my offer of a reward, and had telephoned my Suffolk home. His kindness lifted my spirits and I remain grateful.
And “Thank you” for this kind thought – and for reminding myself, and others about saying these magic, and uplifting words.
Bless you. Michael
THANK YOU!
Most of all, thank you for the amazing, generous, compassionate, wise person you are.
Thank you James. Sitting quietly, especially if one is tired, thankfulness seems to change the balance of things,washes away the negative and renews humour, energy,and hope , Another gift! Bless you.
love Diana
I am thankful for this gentle reminder.
Thank you, James