thankful

Another day-more reminders
Neighbors came to watch the sunset last evening. They are an older couple---well, older than we are. They married only a few years ago with dreams to spend their retirement years together traveling, singing in a local chorus and enjoying their mutual interests. She had a stroke---months in rehab. Plans changed. No more travel, limited mobility, memory loss. One can sense the tension and frustration between them.

A younger couple with new grandchildren and the dreams of babysitting, outings, games and play. Dreams changed. She was diagnosed with acute lymphoma last year, months and months of chemo, and now the planning for bone marrow transplant. She doesn't complain but one senses there is pain and sadness for her and those who love her.

And a young professional couple. She recently obtained her PhD; he finally found his dream job with an aerospace company; and a 2 year old boy. He passed out at work--brain tumor. Brain surgery, months of week long chemo and radiation 2 hours away from home. They do what they have to do but the emotional toll is devastating for all.

Those of us with the usual aches and pains caused by exercise, aging or whatever need to take a few minutes. We have heard it a million times but we need to stop and look at how quickly life can change---and change drastically. One day all seems fine-the next day we are fighting for our lives. None of the people I've mentioned had any idea of their health problems. All lived good, upstanding, productive lives---took care of themselves, ate well, exercised, got decent sleep. All the things we are told to do. But life changed.

 There's much talk about "mindfulness" these days---stop for 2-3 minutes several times a day and breathe---place your hand on your chest and stomach---breathe. Pay attention to your surroundings.

All good advice AND in that 2-3 minutes do I thank God for the blessings I have?---the blessings in health, family, nature. Am I aware that God promises to be with me in whatever life brings? Do I believe that? Do I stop to sense His Presence? Am I "mindful" of Him in my daily life?

Blessings-Penny