I woke up awash in feelings of gratitude this morning, and not only for Gus, our newest gift from the fates. Every morning, I get up early, let him out of his crate where he has slept peacefully and quietly, feed him and the dogs, and then bring him up to Maria. Every morning, I am rewarded by the joy in Gus when he sees Maria, and the love on her face as he rushes to see her. After some squirming and excitement, he finds a place to curl up and sleep until we are ready to get up.
I am grateful for the refugee children today, who have come to be with us for several days. I am grateful to Helen, an angel in the Army of Good, for making this possible. I am grateful for the friendship of Ali, now a brother to me, and I have always wanted a brother.
I am grateful for the friendship of Scott and Lisa Carrino, who are so graciously sharing their beautiful farm and retreat with us. And for my dogs, who have so joyously entered into the spirit of the retreat and are such a big part of it. Maria is coming to the retreat to lead a hike this morning, and our friends in the community are coming to teach and participate in this welcome, for this loving and good-hearted children, come to America at a hard and sometimes hateful time.
Mostly, I am grateful for my life, and for this beautiful day the spirits have given us. I was going to read a gratitude prayer at breakfast, which I am going to help serve now, but Maria said I should just write and speak from the heart, so I will.
No bad news, no hateful and angry people shall every keep me from loving my life, or being grateful for every single day of it. I never expect a perfect life, only the grace and strength to live my life well and meaningfully. Today suggests I am on the path. I believe in small acts of love and kindness.
I am grateful for everyone reading this as well, especially the Army Of Good.
You make all of this possible.