dual personalities

“Gorgeous, amazing things come into our lives when we are paying attention: mangoes, grandnieces, Bach, ponds. This happens more often when we have as little expectation as possible. If you say, “Well, that’s pretty much what I thought I’d see,” you are in trouble. At that point you have to ask yourself why you are even here. […] Astonishing material and revelation appear in our lives all the time. Let it be. Unto us, so much is given. We just have to be open for business.”
― Anne Lamott, Help Thanks Wow: The Three Essential Prayers 

We Americans as a whole have high expectations. We expect a lot, because we have so much and are not especially grateful for what we do have. But I have learned over the years that contentment comes with lowering my expectations and being grateful for what I have.

I am grateful that my children appreciate re-upholstered furniture and estate-sale finds…

…and hand-me-down holiday decor…

I am grateful for these two guys*…

and these two guys**…

I am grateful for old friends and new friends, old books and new books,

old vintage clothes and new clothes, Friday night take-out, grocery-store flowers, an aging but fit body, and a  mind that is still curious.

I am grateful for my family–past, present and future.

Hallelujah, life is good. “If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” (Master Eckhart)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. (Galatians 5: 22-23)

Lots of people are driving today–so take it easy out there!

*C’mon…John Wayne and Steve McQueen/**John Piper and Tim Keller