Being Grateful for the Preciousness of Each Minute

I have recently been reminded how extremely precious each minute of our life is. Three summers ago I had surgery on my knee I had to rest during the healing process. First was an inner struggle "because I had so much to do". After a few days I finally surrendered to a different pace and became so grateful for the time and ability to walk. The trip to the kitchen to open the windows and greet the new day took on a new meaning. I had some inconvenience of using crutches to get there, so of course my pace was slower and more deliberate. I had time to see and experience things as I made my way to the window. I would stand on one leg and breathe deeply and look at the houses, trees and flowers and be grateful to be alive and healing.

Everything was more vivid because I was moving slower and taking time to experience things. Eventually my mind slowed down. I even took naps during the day. I had so many creative images coming to me. I remembered " Be still and hear God." so I started asking questions that I wanted answers to, and to my delight, I was hearing answers.

"Be still and know God." In the stillness I was also able to reconnect to my home, my dog Max, the friends who came to love and support me, and to myself. I found that my having to recover from knee surgery was definitely a good thing for me to experience.

"In all things there is a message." It became clear to me that the message was to stop and rest I had been getting messages about this for months and had not listened. In the quiet that resulted from resting I was sourced with the ideas and insights. I used some of my down time to develop the Master course work, the Master requirements, and also write some new chapters for the Reiki book.

"Every cloud has a Silver lining." I am among the many people when something happens that is bad, have usually been so upset that I fail to recognize that when one door closes another one opens. We can find the light in every circumstance if we are willing to look.

One of my favorite memories is discovering that I could sit on the edge of the bathtub, swing my self around so that I could prop my leg that was in the brace on the toilet for support and have a shower. Sure someone had to hold the showerhead and wash me but, I had a shower and it was marvelous. I realized how much I had taken a shower for granted. In those moments to feel the water running over my body, to take the time to savor the moment. To feel clean is heaven.

The people who touched my life during that time have left lasting impressions on me. Their willingness to help me get wet, to dress me, to bring me a flower from the field. All have intertwined into my heart. I am filled with gratitude.

When Princess Diana and Mother Theresa died so close together, I understood a message to us all in their deaths. Here were two women, both who had reached out to others in their lives. One was young, one was old. One had experienced wealth and the other took a vow of poverty. Both knew the power of Love. Both acted with their hearts. Diana struggled in her personal life to find happiness, we are lead to believe that she did find that at the end of her life. She was a princess that now she will be remembered as the Queen of Hearts. Mother Theresa found happiness in helping others and encouraging others to help.. Her happiness was seeing and experiencing Jesus in everyone and everything. She will be remembered as the Eternal Mother. We are grateful for what they did for mankind and for showing us the power of Love.

I wonder if people will expect two new people to step into their shoes and carry on their work? I personally do not feel that this is the answer. I believe that there is a space that they have created and have given us. This is the time for all of us to respond by carrying the torch of love. We must take our place beside each other, stand and be counted as people who say yes to life, as they once did. They have showed us the way. Now it is time for us to ask: ourselves "What would love do now?" and then respond into life by doing what we are called to do..

When we realize how precious each minute of our lives are, life will also ask us to live as if each minute counted. Last night I sat for some time and asked myself. "Would I be happy with what I had accomplished if I were to die right now. Would I feel that I did my best and had lived the message, the vision I believe so deeply in? Would I have forgiven all for what I considered unjust in my life? Would I have asked for forgiveness for all those I treated unfair? What part of my life would feel incomplete? Would I have some regrets?. In the silence of the moments after asking the questions, I heard the answers. Yes, I have done the best I knew how, I am happy with what I have accomplished but, there are things that I want to clear up, to acknowledge while there is still time, I still have work to do. I choose to take the time to do it now. To live as each moment counted.

My experiences this summer put me in touch with gratitude. How I in my haste to accomplish things even if they are for peace in the world, I have forgotten to be grateful. To take the time to sit down and everyday and write down at least five things that I am grateful for this day. I know that when I have done this before my life seemed to change as it put me in touch with the beautiful things that have touched my life in the Now moment of this day!

I have made a commitment to write in my journal of gratitude everyday. I am not waiting until the new year to start. I am starting now. I choose to be in touch with the many things that bless my life everyday. I encourage you to do the same. You can have a beautiful journal to write in or a loose leaf binder, what ever fits your needs. Make a definite date with yourself, a time to sit down and review your day, then write at least five things that you are thankful for. You may be amazed that you have more, I have found my list growing as I get in touch with all the little things that bless my day. And as I read them, I come in contact with gratitude, a deep and profound sense that all is right in my world and how many times I am touched by kindness, beauty and love.

Today I wrote in my journal;

I am grateful for the good morning kiss on my cheek at work..

I am grateful for experiencing color and feeling it's effects in my being.

I am grateful for the gentle fall breeze blowing through the trees.

I am grateful to have been loved by my Mother.

I am grateful for the space of safety to cry.

I am grateful for friends who never give up on me.

I am grateful for you.

Have you ever experienced a moment when you said I am so grateful. I would love to hear what you are grateful for, and also if you are keeping a gratitude journal

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