In honor of Thanksgiving, I'm doing a small series on Gratitude. I'm thankful for so many blessings in life, many of which get overlooked on a daily -- hourly -- basis. In hopes that I'll remember to be more in touch with gratitude in tiny ways each day, I am turning my blessings loose to the internets. May you, also, find gratitude in the minutiae of life this Thanksgiving season.
I am grateful for the ability to feel, to be touched by this beautiful world in millions of tangible ways: I am grateful for sensations.
The smooth and tight coolness of fresh sheets waiting to envelop me at the end of a back-breaking day: I feel rest.
The warmth of a tear, either in a single drop or in a torrent of moisture, as it courses down my cheek: I feel memories.
The grasp of a miniature hand at my thigh, reaching up, up, for a mother's cradle: I feel love.
The rumble of a cat's purr under her silken coat, delighting in my wayward touch: I feel compassion.
The rounded swishing of dried beans as they're being rinsed in cool water, agitated by my capable hands and prepared for a simple meal: I feel security.
The crinkled sheets of artwork made with concentration by my darling girls, rustling and misaligned: I feel creativity.
The mindless caress of my husband's strong hand over my skin: I feel adoration.
The crushing chop of a sharp knife through raw vegetables; the wooden board confidently matching the metal edge: I feel contrast.
The delicate softness of a recipe card as it's being pulled from its hiding place, covered with my Grandmother's handwriting, and inscribed with family tradition: I feel sadness.
The slippery scalp of a child at bathtime, bubbled and squeaking after a day of messy imagination: I feel care.
The floating emptiness that surrounds me -- transports me -- as I pray my deepest thoughts to my Lord: I feel God.
I am so thankful to have the ability to feel and to notice sensations as they happen. What a remarkable gift it is to feel, and in feeling, to evoke emotional sensation as well.
What sensations are you grateful for, at this very moment?
I'm thankful that you're willing to share your gift of words! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteA blog author named Sarah that writes from her heart and shares openly: I feel inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThese were just beautiful, Sarah. My favorite was the chopping board one; What a description!
ReplyDeleteToday I am grateful for my ability to nurse my baby (and his brothers before him). To be abe to provide nourishment and bond simultaneously has been such an unforgettable gift that I'll carry in my heart forever.
Lenae, you just stole the words from my brain for another of my in-process posts this week. Whatever shall I do now? :) I guess I'll write it anyway, and try to do so with some measure of your thoughtful words. These are just some more of the reasons I like you so much :)
ReplyDeleteThese were beautifully said.
ReplyDeleteI especially related to the bubbled and squeaking scalps today--we had a midday bath after a very muddy romp at the playground and I just love the feeling of cleaning the day away from these tiny bodies.
I hadn't even read your weekend bullets today when I decided to boil my weekend into quick takes. We must both have meandering thoughts and little time to get it all down some days.
Happy giving of thanks this week. I'll be reading!
PS--If you write that post about the nursing Lenae referred to I'm sure to sob...
Early morning: a chilly house, cold tile pressed against the soles of my feet; a teacup, porcelain and warm, pressed between my palms. I feel: awakened.
ReplyDelete(I like this thoughtful post, and I'm looking forward to more.)
Your ability with description is awesome! Thanks for reminding me of some things for which I am also grateful...like little hands.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pleasant read! At this very moment, I am grateful for the stickiness of pancake syrup lingering around my lips.
ReplyDeleteJust Beautiful!! I hope I can be more aware of and more thankful for the little things! I am always thankful for my family and friends-seems like a generic thanks but true all the same. Happy Thanksgiving!
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