“Silent gratitude isn’t much to anyone.” Gertrude Stein
I think gratitude is a fitting theme to end on. This is a theme that surprised me at first. I didn’t expect to discuss this topic; however, it kept making its way into different conversations. When you see a sunset, taste a fresh apple pie, hear the strings of an acoustic guitar, hold a newborn baby or smell a rose ... don't you feel a sense of gratitude for life? I know that I do. These moments cause me to pause and be thankful for the breath in my lungs. Life is so very precious and I’m grateful for each day I have to learn new things and love those around me.
In closing, I welcome you to consider the following quote from Elizabeth Barret Browning. I encourage you to read the words slowly. Let them sink in. Carefully ponder the message and consider how you might take off your shoes and live a life that is full of gratitude.
Earth is crammed with Heaven
And every common bush is afire with God.
But only those who see take off their shoes.
The rest of us sit ‘round it and pluck blackberries. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning
