Lessons in Gratitude Day 175

Today has been a full, good day. Mostly it has been another day of running around, attending to business, and of course my usual Wednesday volunteering at the Berkeley Food Pantry. I am tired, but think I have most things under control in preparation for holiday travel. Good thing, too. We’re leaving in the wee hours of the morning to head to the Midwest to join most of my siblings and their children for Christmas. I am grateful in advance for smooth, uneventful travel.

I am grateful for the series of circumstances that are allowing us to fly home for Christmas. I would not have been able to get myself, let alone my kids, “home for the holidays” without the assistance of one of my “big sisters,” and would not have been able to take care of other important business without the help of my other big sister. I am so thankful for the love and support of my siblings and their partners over the years, and throughout 2011 in particular. I am blessed to be in good relationship with each of them and am looking forward to spending time with them. As this year winds down and I think over these past nearly six months of gratitude blogs, I know that family ranks among the top things that I am most grateful for.

I am also aware from my work today at the Pantry of how grateful I am to have volunteered there these past several months. Today we served a large, steady flow of clients. Most were good natured and looking forward to the holidays. Although the work is fairly exhausting, I enjoy interacting with each client we assist and love hanging out with the other volunteers and the Director. Today was a typically tiring, good day. Volunteering at the pantry has been one of the best things I’ve done with my time since I lost my job.

I find that my thoughts are a little disjointed tonight, so I will close. I still have some last-minute details to attend to before trying to get a few hours of sleep before heading out at 4:30 tomorrow morning. I’ll be writing each night while I’m away, including Christmas night. I’m grateful as always for those of you who join me on this journey, whether you’re a daily reader or one who pops in from time to time. May you know happiness and the source of happiness. So be it!