More gratitude in my attitude…

This weekend we had the opportunity to get away for an almost twenty-four hour period to enjoy a night at a local bed and breakfast. It was the perfect respite.

res•pite: (n.) interval of rest

And, sometimes that’s all I need to refocus. Just an interval.

One of my ongoing quests in my spiritual life and growth is to be more grateful, not just by saying “thanks” here and there, but by really practicing a lifestyle of gratitude. I fail miserably at this. Every. Single. Day. But, nothing helps shift my focus toward all that is praiseworthy and refines my perspective like rest. Even just a little rest.

I used to say that the mountains were dark and dreary, and I really intended to live in a big city somewhere amidst a bustling downtown with tall buildings, busy people, and lots of activity. But, my life and decisions didn’t take me that direction, and sometimes I forget to be grateful that I am exactly where I am.

This was the view from our porch this morning.

They call them the Smoky Mountains for a reason. And, they’re breath-taking.

Fast-forward to this evening…

This was the view from my chair once we had reclaimed Toddlers 1 and 2.

We call them “spirited” for a reason. And, they’re entertaining (especially when I’m refreshed).

• I am grateful for the Spouse and the fact that we still have plenty to talk about when it’s quiet enough to have a real conversation.
• I am grateful for my girls and their exuberance over seeing us (even if we’ve only been gone for a day).
• I am grateful for mini-vacations and windy back-roads that lead to hospitable little havens on the side of the mountain.
• I am grateful for beds I didn’t make and breakfasts I didn’t fix. (I feel certain the Spouse is also grateful for the breakfasts I didn’t fix).
• I am grateful for grandparents. So, so grateful.
• I am grateful for heavy rains that force the temperature down and usher in the first real week of autumn.
• I am grateful for rest and all the good stuff it does for my mind, body, and spirit.

So, today reality resumes. But, hopefully, I’m a little better at dealing with it and a little more appreciative of the gifts and the beauty around me right here in the mundane. Respite is good. Very good.