"You ask if I would agree to live my 70. or rather 73. years over again? To which I say Yea. I think with you that it is a good world on the whole, that it has been framed on a principle of benevolence . . . . I steer my bark with Hope in the head, leaving Fear astern." Thomas Jefferson (letter to John Adams)
What a great sentiment to say that one would live over again all the years that have gone before. That takes a great deal of optimism and appreciation for life.
There have been times that I haven't wanted to live even a single moment over again. Yet, when the entire span of one's life is stretched out, I have a different picture.
I like to think of my life as a kaleidoscope in which there are many different pieces and parts. Taken separately, these multi-faceted fragments don't look like much. In fact, some are ugly and misshapen. But with a few twists and turns, a shake up or two, something beautiful emerges. And with each twist and turn, there may be a different view.
It's been like that with me. I've had twists and turns and am still spinning on some days. But all in all, I am thankful for all the things that I've experienced. And God willing, I'll be able to experience much more, adding more pieces to this kaleidoscope of life.
Today I'm grateful for:
- The opportunity to be of service to my fellows and God.
- Not worrying about what the future will bring but trusting that whatever there is, I'll be able to accept it.
- Feeling content with what I have in life
- Knowing that there are people who love and care about me
- Being able to love and care about others without holding them hostage
I like the analogy of the kaleidoscope - the same event can appear so different when viewed from two opposing attitudes.
ReplyDeleteI especially loved your closing thought.
Syd you always have something that speaks to me. I love the last on your gratitude list. Being able to love without holding them hostage. I needed that today. Great post....thank you!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, not holding one hostage. that is the greatest.
ReplyDeleteSyd, as usual you nail it here, this is a great post, great quote too...thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, dear Syd.
ReplyDeleteSyd, you weave words like an artist. Great post!
ReplyDeleteWithout the ups and downs we might all be bored to death. They definitely make life interesting. Nice post.
ReplyDelete"Being able to love and care about others without holding them hostage"
ReplyDelete..... I love that....for my life I would add without being held hostage.
Thanks for another beautiful post
Great post and I love the gratitude list.
ReplyDeleteoh yes, life's indeed a kaleidoscope. individual little bits too dreary, too sad, too much to cope with, but in the big picture, they fit perfectly!
ReplyDeleteHi Syd!
ReplyDeleteSo many pieces of my life don't match up. I feel like I've had two lives, pre and post sobriety. How blessed is that?