Give Thanks

BY RITA

Several weeks ago, I heard two dog stories on the news. Both tales were of dogs that had gotten lost miles away from their homes but were eventually found and returned to their loving and relieved owners. I reflected on the story while petting Emma, my dog, and realized I had just heard a happy-ever-after news report. Upon further reflection I recognized this was the first time in months I was listening to good news coming through the airwaves.

I used to turn the fluff pieces off, or ignore them (too sugary for me). Lately, thought, between banks, home foreclosures, unemployment, cities defaulting, attitudes, confidence, and our general mental health all being disjointed, out of whack, and endlessly hurting--I was happy to hear good news for a change. In contemplating and relishing a fluff piece, my wakeup moment was wishing there was more of the sugary stuff.

Yesterday my check engine light went off for at least two hours straight. Good news: the CD player played my favorite song twice before silencing itself completely. How considerate of the machine to give me a few moments of kindness before sending me into a long, quiet drive. What about my iPod, you ask? Broken too. Notice a trend?

It seems that all we talk or hear about lately is brokenness. In the spirit of thanksgiving I am going to communicate to others and myself treasures and riches that are unbroken in my life, and it's not about my stuff. No faking it, no excess mountains of fluffy whipped meringue, but real, honest treasures will be shared. Hear it comes…wait for it… There will be gratitude.

In a class I attend we set a time. Every hour we take a one-minute break for reflection, silence, or just to breathe. This season, I am setting my timer throughout my every day and taking my single minute to be thankful.

Turning the dial down on a machine that broadcasts only sour and bad bites, or taking a nap or well-earned rest, is going to allow me to look at what is fixed, what does work, and what is a gift. I'm going to allow the time and space to both recognize and enjoy what can be heard when things go silent.