November thoughts

It's Friday and time for a poetry break. Find the round-up of today's poems at Robyn Hood Black's blog, Life on the Deckle Edge.  You will find a plethora of poetic ideas there.

The week started very warm, then rain and now a cool brisk breeze. On Tuesday my hubby and I headed to Hacklebarney State Park, one of our favorites places.

The freshwater Black River briskly cuts its way through rocky Hacklebarney State Park, cascading around boulders in the hemlock-lined ravine. Two tributaries, Rinehart and Trout Brooks, also course their way through this glacial valley, feeding the Black River. Even in the heat of midsummer, the temperature of Black River gorge is cool and refreshing.    

Vibrant red and gold near the river.

Those of you who have been there know about the huge rock outcroppings, paths winding through fields of rocks, and a stream running through a valley of boulders, finally ending at the Black River. 

Steep stone steps

Littered with leaves--

Blond, mustard, saffron, gold--

Shards of summer sun.

© Karen Eastlund

Freerange Stock Photo: Hacklebarney

The way was rocky...

  Have a good week, everyone...

In Everything Give Thanks

 

In everything, give thanks... 

Easier said than done, right? Keeping a grateful heart is a challenge. So how do we find gratitude in a year that feels like hardship? I don't have easy answers. I have felt great sadness this year, yet I realize that I am more fortunate than most. 

I am reading Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren, which is helping me cultivate more God-centered practices in my day. The process is called formation... forming a faithful life. I am grateful for this insightful book and for the women with whom I discuss it.

It can be easy to overlook the gifts in life... I remember my reaction when a friend opened her prayer with: Father, thank you for another day...  The day itself... I had taken the actual day for granted! I had overlooked the gift of time. What else had I overlooked?

Here is a small example of the gifts of my day...

Cool autumn air.

My family... huge, extended, diverse and hilarious. I love you all..

Bright autumn colors. Glorious!

The ability and freedom to express myself... to write, vote, sing, etc.

My body.  I can still stand in tree pose (on one foot)... then transition my body into a letter T. Okay...so sometimes I need to hold onto something for balance. I'm grateful anyway. 😄

Fresh bedsheets and a warm robe.

Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bDoMflYErE

Hot running water...

Books, of which I am abundantly blessed.

The quiet understanding of a spouse.

Humor... 

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.... The brilliant blue sky seems to dance with the bright autumn leaves. 

If I take time to be still, to focus on the here and now, I find that gratitude will come. I pray it will be so for you also.

Thanks to Ruth Hersey for hosting our Spiritual Journey Thursday group this month! Find her post and links to others here.