Gift

There is a heap happening that is not good.  This Covid19 thing is to be avoided big time.  It is great to see others along with ourselves, doing their bit.  What I am thinking about this morning is really a continuation of what I was thinking about yesterday.
Those that know me know I really think what I focus on becomes bigger.  At the moment the focus is on Covid19 like it is the only show in town.  I think it is right I keep myself informed about what is happening and do what I need to do to protect myself and others.  But I really do not think Covid19 is the only show in town.
I remind myself regularly that I have much to be thankful for.  Without burying my head in the sand, I want to consider not only the bad stuff happening but also the good stuff happening.  Cicero said, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.”    It has made a huge difference in Willie Nelson’s life “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.”
I have my breath.  I am thankful for that.  I have a great wife.  I am thankful for that.  I appreciate my church.  I am thankful for that.   I love my family.  I am thankful for that.  I honestly think there is heaps I could cite as my being thankful for.  In many ways it is only me that sets a limitation.  A roof over my head, good meals, tv, nice chairs – the list is huge.  I am thankful for them all.
Someone said, “Gratitude …brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”  I reckon that is totally true.  I also believe fear or ingratitude brings turbulence for today while creating a vision for tomorrow.”  To me, that vision is not good.
It seems so much depends on what something is built on.  If the foundation of a building is weak, it does not matter how beautiful the building is it will collapse.  To me it is way more desirable to have a beautiful building on a strong foundation.  I see those buildings that are built on the edge of disappearing cliffs, or next to an eroding shoreline.  I think to myself it is only a matter of time.
To me, being ungrateful is like building on an eroding shoreline.  Things look good for a while.  It seems I can be ungrateful without consequence.  But stay tuned folks.  Ingratitude seems to express an expectation and implies something is deserved.  Gratitude seems to acknowledge that whatever good thing comes my way is a gift.
To me that is huge and goes to the heart of a matter.  Is something earned or a gift?  I may have worked really hard and built something lasting.  I often think though, could not that or my ability to build that be gone in an instant?  Though I may nurture and promote what I have built, I could so easily be eating grass in a paddock.
While I consider I am responsible for developing what I am given, I feel I always need to remember I was given it.
I am thankful for what I have been given.