Tuesday, March 24, 2009

More pleasure than pain


"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

11 comments:

  1. I like the analogy of the kaleidoscope - the same event can appear so different when viewed from two opposing attitudes.
    I especially loved your closing thought.

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  2. 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!

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  3. Oh yes, not holding one hostage. that is the greatest.

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  4. Syd, as usual you nail it here, this is a great post, great quote too...thank you!

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  5. Syd, you weave words like an artist. Great post!

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  6. Without the ups and downs we might all be bored to death. They definitely make life interesting. Nice post.

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  7. "Being able to love and care about others without holding them hostage"
    ..... I love that....for my life I would add without being held hostage.

    Thanks for another beautiful post

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  8. Great post and I love the gratitude list.

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  9. oh 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!

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  10. Hi Syd!
    So 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?

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Let me know what you think. I like reading what you have to say.