Gratitude

I’ll be honest. This past week, my mind has been swirling with ideas for this month’s blog

post. I didn’t want to write a “where has the time gone” or a reflection of the past year. I had a good idea, but it flew away with news of President Carter’s death, and hasn’t returned.

Like many Georgians, I have my own stories and memories of the Carters, but this blog post

isn’t about those. Instead it is about goals. Goals are different from resolutions, which are

easily broken. Goals point us in the direction we want to go, but the steps aren’t necessarily

clearly defined.

We all have goals. Jimmy Carter had a goal of being president, but also, I suspect, of

remaining a decent, good man, a faithful servant to the end. May we go and do likewise.

With Gratitude...

GOALS – A smart goal is achievable, but I say dream big. I have goals regarding my own

faith, fitness, writing, friendship, and remaining grateful.

RECIPROCITY is giving and receiving with appreciation and acknowledgment, not taking by

force. Reciprocity builds community and partnerships.

ATTENTION. Showing up is important, but if I’m distracted by chores, technology, idle

thoughts running through my mind, I’m not giving my efforts or people important to me the

attention they deserve. Make time for conversation, for sitting quietly, for shared experiences.

Make time for personal interests.

TIME - I believe we do find time for things that are important to us, but much of my time is,

quite honestly, wasted. How many hours a week do I spend playing computer games, doom

scrolling, looking for misplaced items, checking my email, or worrying over things over which I have no control?

INVOLVEMENT. I’m an introvert, but I enjoy being with people in small doses. Staying

involved with causes that concern me and classes that interest me help me stay connected to issues and people.

TRUTHFUL – In a time of disinformation and fake news and outright lies, remaining truthful is more important than ever. The Rotary Club has a four-way test: “Is is the truth? Is if fair to all concerned? Will it build Goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all

concerned?” Would that our media and politicians would follow such advice.

USEFUL and mindful USAGE – Both items and negativity can clutter or homes and minds. If

something isn’t useful to me, I want to get rid of it, pass it along to someone who can use it, or recycle it. Further, I want to be mindful of how I use items and how those items are made.

Perhaps there’s a greener or healthier alternative.

DAILY PRACTICE of both good and bad things becomes a habit and then a lifestyle. I want to start or keep good habits and release the less healthier ones.

ENJOYMENT – When we live in gratitude, we find joy in quiet moments and small things.

When times are tough, I remember the old hymn and “count [my] many blessings, name them one by one.” I choose joy, and I hope you will too.