Gratitude, Even When the Storms are Gathering

Storms were gathering.? Rain poured outside with intermittent thunderclaps.? My mother was pacing her small kitchen looking up at the ceiling, a clear worrisome look on her face.? My father was relaxing on his favorite recliner, reading the paper as calm as if he was sitting by a lake, on a beautiful clear day.? Mom started pulling out large pots and placing them strategically on the floor where water started to leak through the ceiling.? Dad was probably now on the sports page.?

“When are we going to fix this roof.? Soon rain will be soaking our entire house” Mom exclaimed.? ?Dad calmly set his paper aside, looked at her and said, “We have a roof over our heads, clothes on our back, food on the table.? Others are much worse off.? We are fine.” Then returned to the paper.?

Zig Zigler said “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for."?

I was maybe 12 years old when I witnessed the events of that stormy day.? And that scene played out many more times until we finally got a new roof.? It was a lesson that I learned from my Dad that served me well throughout my career; always remain calm when the storm hits.?

My good friend Michael Reuter said it best when he wrote:

“Let gratitude be the melody that plays gently in your heart at this Thanksgiving. Reflect on the challenges that have sculpted your character, the lessons that have shaped your perspective and the moments of joy that have adorned your magnificent journey. Each experience contributes to the masterpiece of your life.”

Happy Thanksgiving to All.