Gratitude Journal #1

Several summers ago, I wrote in a journal 3 things that I was thankful for. That process of thinking, writing and being aware changed my life in monumental ways. I became aware of how blessed I was, more conscious of the beauties of nature and people, and I think I was a much more pleasant person to be around. After all these years I'm going to start this ritual exercise again.

1. I am thankful for adequate water. Water that is clean to drink and bath in. Water for washing clothes and cleaning house. Water for cooking food in. And if all that is not enough, there is water to green a lush and cooling lawn and to grow beautiful shade trees and bushes. Still more - there is water to fill a wading pool so my grand kids can splash and soak away the hours of a hot summer day.

2. I am thankful that there are pipes in place and spouts that bring water right into my home. No hauling water from a well or a river. I turn the spigot and out comes water. Such a spendid thing.

3. I am thankful for the absence of water where I don't need or want it. Last week my sewer backed up and several of my basement floors flooded. I am grateful that most of the time that water is not there. It's a good thing not to have water all over where the dry ground should be. I would hate to wear galoshes continually. It's nice to have water in streams, rivers and lakes but not in city streets or beautiful meadows.