On My Mind: Everyday Blessings

“How many joys are crushed underfoot because people look up at the sky and disregard what is at their feet?”  Goethe

Blessings are with us all the time.  And yet, we can spend so much time on the hamster wheel of life that we forget to see, acknowledge and be grateful for the blessings.  We’re distracted and busy and/or we just take them for granted.

Nothing brings that little lesson up for me more than a catastrophe of some sort… like Hurricane Sandy who came barreling up the east coast and took a left turn at the Mid-Atlantic region before heading up north.  Wreaking havoc.  Flooding. Tree damage. Buildings torn apart.  Loss of electrical power and all that brings.  Contaminated water.  Businesses shut down.  Loss of life.  Millions of people affected.  Even with all of the advanced notice, there was only so much one could do.

Our little home and neighborhood was lucky.  No damage.  In spite of the scare with the driving rain and howling, powerful winds, Bob, Minkey, Weasel and I were pretty much snuggled in and safe, warm and dry.  It gave me plenty of time to think about others as I watched the news and saw the devastation and felt for the people who would have to deal with the aftermath of Sandy.  They were already leading busy lives and now, they have more stuff to add to their list plus the emotional, physical, mental and financial drain of it all.

Once again, I am reminded to be grateful for my blessings.  Not just when a Sandy or any of her brothers or sisters come along, but anytime anything comes along to take my breath away.  Instead of thinking about what I want to do, to have, to make happen all of the time… to also remember and acknowledge what’s here now.  Now.  To acknowledge what is at my feet.

I am grateful, and ask for and send blessings and light to all who need them now.