I thought about starting today’s blog off by saying “Gratitude has taken the day off.” But of course gratitude never takes the day off, only perhaps the writer of this blog considers taking a hiatus, particularly on challenging days. Today we suffered another disappointment in a week that has held other disappointments. Nevertheless, if I were keeping score, I would still say that this is been a good week. And that my friends is the power of gratitude.
Once again I find myself thinking that in the scheme of things and relative to the trials and tribulations others have faced and continue to face, this week’s setbacks are by no means catastrophic. Disappointing? definitely, difficult? absolutely, devastating? by no means. And although I cursed and swore in a brief fit of anger and demanded to know, “Why isn’t anything easy?” I am grateful that I’ve been able to find and hold a relatively philosophical perspective and the belief/hope that “this too shall pass.” It is probably not a very Zen-like perspective, but I wish 2011 would hurry up and freakin’ be over already. While I’m grateful to have suffered the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune and come through still standing in relatively good shape, I would sure love to see some things turn around.
Today was another outrageously a warm day in the East Bay. I spent a longer than usual time at Chavez Park today enjoying the weather–the sun was shining, the water reflected the clear blueness of the sky, and there was only the slightest trace of fog around the land masses. It was a glorious day. I was able to watch the sun as it dipped lower and lower into the sky until it disappeared beneath the horizon. This day didn’t begin so well–I had a meeting that didn’t go well and means challenging times ahead in one area of my life. Each day bring its own challenges and blessings and today I’ve experienced both. I am grateful still to be able to close this day with a spirit of gratitude and a sense that “all shall be well.” And so it is.
Golden Gate Sunset, December 2011
© M. T. Chamblee, 2011
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