Gratitude

It's been quite awhile since I posted something other than 'novelty flashbacks', although those who follow this blog, don't worry they'll be plenty more of those, 'cause I love 'em. Sometimes it just feels good to wallow a bit in 80's nostalgia.

Part of the reason for my silence has been that I actually was able to find work! In a supremely ironic twist, which well...nothing surprises me anymore, sent me back working under contract to the same manufacturer I worked as of last February, before my 9-month job-hunting odyssey.

One week after starting back to work, I got some kind of a cold/flu which, having just begun a new job I couldn't very well take time off to 'shake' and then a week later my beloved cat Gordon became 29 different kinds of ill, starting off with a urinary blockage!!

More than one time, I indulged in a serious bout of feeling sorry for myself, but of late, I've begun to really have quite a different sense of things. To best explain my turn of heart, I'd have to go back to a favorite novel in which the main character, an Episcopal rector, after suffering a debilitating car accident and owing to illness endures a great period of depression from which he emerges having begun to understand that it's the will of God, that we, in ALL things, 'give thanks'. Whether or not, you consider yourself a 'religious' person, this has application.

Gratitude in of itself can be such a liberating exercise. Sometimes just sitting around and counting the many things that 'have gone right' can so outweigh the wrong that it can change your whole focus.

And it's particularly appropriate on this weekend!

So with that in mind, I'd like to first say thanks to my parents, my wonderful Mother, Father and Stepfather for all their help, financial, emotional, cheerleading, listening. To my co-workers who welcomed me back so kindly; I've really enjoyed re-forming and making new acquaintances. To the wonderful staff at the vet for looking after my cat so well, for caring, for being there with a hug, a box of tissues when the stress of it all was too much, for taking my numerous phone calls, for listening to my questions. To my cat, Gordon who in an incredible way has shown me true courage, devotion, strength under pressure and guts!  To my very talented stepfather for all his mechanical know how in helping to get my car running right and giving the right advice for maintenance, I'm so grateful. And to God, who has blessed me more than I could ever endeavor to deserve,  who has forgiven my selfishness, my whining and has shown me a measure of grace that is truly staggering.

In all things, I give thanks!