Every morning, as I step outside and watch the gentle rays of the early morning sun kiss the treetops, I say thank you.
It only takes a moment. Though I have a long list of things I am grateful for, I reserve this time for the simplest sentiments.
I breathe deep and allow the cool dewy air to fill my lungs, and then exhale.
I give my gratitude to God that my eyes opened this morning so I could see another glorious sunrise.
That my body is strong enough to hold me up as I gaze upon it.
That my mind, even as it begins to drift to the next task, allows me to take it all in.
It is easy to take these simple instances for granted. We can move through our days like robots, optimizing for efficiency, robbing ourselves of the chance to marvel at the moment, no matter how mundane. We turn our focus away from what fills our lives and towards the empty spaces, always searching, always yearning.
But, when we choose gratitude, when we allow it to be the lens through which we see the world, we can see a truth that is otherwise blurry.
Just to be alive is a blessing.
When it is glorious, when it is horrible, and during all the time in between.
Because we get to see the sunrise and set each day.
We get to listen and learn and laugh and grow.
We get to love so deeply that our hearts break in two.
Wherever you find yourself this Thanksgiving, I hope you take the time to reflect on the ordinary and the extraordinary, the sweet and the sour, and give thanks for it all.
Life, with all its messy moments, may not come wrapped in a bow, but it is still a gift.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a part of ours.
Happy Thanksgiving.
xx,
Brooke
Love this post. Grateful for so many things this day. You put it perfectly.
Sweet post. I'm very Thankful! Thanks to GOD I have a good life! The first thing I did this morning was to say I'm Thankful. So enjoy your blog.
What a beautiful post Brooke. I am so grateful for my life, our home, husband, children, grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. All healthy and happy. Also grateful for your blog and how you live your life and share with all of us. For that I am thankful. Wishing you a very Happy Thanks😋giving!
Well said Brooke. I’m even more grateful than before. Caring for my husband with a brain cancer has made me appreciate every little moment. Waking up and discovering that he's still with me is total joy. Yes, it's tough but we still can find things to be grateful for.every moment of the day.