Still...

As we lay down to go to sleep last night, Rog commented that he was glad the day was over, an unusual sentiment coming from him. Still, I can understand why.

From our house mailbox, we received a letter related to our bankruptcy requesting another pile of documents with a deadline for submission. There was incorrect information written in it and it had not been sent to our mailing address as it should have been, so had been sitting for a week. Still, I was grateful that the letter wasn’t from the mortgagor setting a new trustee sale.

From our other mailbox, we received a letter from our homeowners association. It was another annoying complaint, once again shedding no specific light on what we were supposedly not in compliance with. Still, I was grateful that I’d already called them weeks back about the matter in general and was confident that we would prevail. I was also grateful that Rog said he’d draft a response.

The website I had hoped to complete building and go live by mid afternoon took me into the evening. Still, I was grateful that my client is a warm, easy-going person to work with and appreciates the extra mile that I go. And, when there was a delay for the site to go live, I was grateful that the hosting server company had a helpful associate to work with, that I had uploaded the files correctly, and that the site will go live as soon as the company finishes its process.

And, if this all wasn’t enough to test my attitude, the saga of my front tooth was brought to life once again. Still, I was grateful that my crown came out during the dentist’s work week, and that he is a kind, compassionate good man with a great staff. I’ll call this morning for an emergency appointment and trust that God will arrange it so I don’t have to delay today’s trip to Tucson. Also, I’m grateful that I’m no longer so vain about the gap in the front of my mouth – when I speak, I just place my hand in front of it to cover the grossness.

Yes, my peace was challenged yesterday, but all in all I think I did a pretty good job of asking Spirit for help and coping. But what I noticed - and am so grateful for - is that, in most cases, my upbeat take on each situation was an immediate response. I’ve come a long way from when I would have immediately gone into a tailspin or a fit of lingering angry, both of which would have stoked my eating disorder and not made me a particularly nice person to be around. Mostly these days, I am able to see the blessings in every situation and feel gratitude. These challenges become opportunities to grow closer to God.

Oh, did I mention that Rog accidentally brewed decaf coffee for himself and high test for me for our afternoon coffee vacation?!

As we lay down to go to sleep last night, and the caffeine was still surging through my body, Rog commented that he was glad the day was over; I can understand why. I had some more than usual awake time before falling asleep so I converted the challenge into an opportunity. I used the time for extra prayers to God and my angels, thankful for my growing consciousness and the many blessings in my life.

Lessons from Millie

Yesterday’s Daily Guideposts was written by Guideposts editor, Edward Grinnan, upon the arrival into his life of his pooch Millie. It’s one that’s a keeper for me. Here’s most of it or read it in its entirety online.

“Millie, I thought, you have so much to learn, and I’ll teach you.

Well, wouldn’t you know it, she’s probably taught me as much as I’ve taught her. A few lessons from Millie:

- When you’re happy, let the world know. For such a sweet, gentle dog, Millie has a monster bark. But she doesn’t bark much except when she’s happy. She reminds me that joy is contagious and there’s no reason to keep it in.

- Hold your tail up. A trainer observed that Millie exhibits confidence by walking with her tail held high. “It makes other dogs feel relaxed around her.” I should hold my head up when I walk down the street.

- Play, play, play. Learning to be a city dog is serious business. It takes a lot of concentration and practice. But don’t forget to play like crazy whenever the opportunity presents itself.

- Be thankful. For every meal, every walk, every nap, every friend. With a nuzzle or a lick, Millie says “Thank you.” I should remember to be grateful in all things too.

- Stay in the now! Millie greets each day as if it’s the greatest adventure of her life. Her whole body wags at the prospect of a morning walk. For me, staying in the moment is the only way to experience God in my life. He is here now, in the moment, the greatest adventure life holds.

Thank You, God, for Millie and all the ways You use her to teach this old dog new lessons."

Praying and Peace

Today was such a wonderful day! Actually, the past several days have been pretty nifty I’ve noticed.

Today included coffee time with Rog (aka spiritual conversation and nourishment), an uplifting Unity service, singing, connecting via email, an hour long call with a dear friend in which we made plans for her to visit next month (yippee!), fun eBay auctions ending with some monies earned, etc. A full, busy, and rich day – and, I’m feeling the joy.

I think I’ve been having these types of days more and more frequently in recent times because I’m feeling more and more at peace. I’m connecting with Spirit more, staying in the present moment where I hold onto to faith and trust. And, in different ways throughout the day, I’m praying.

A reading this morning talked about making your life a living prayer by praying all the time. I’ve heard this before and I love it! As a living prayer I’m always mindful of God, growing closer and closer to Him. This enables me to focus on all that is good and the best within me, to give with a full and thankful heart, and to be at peace. It doesn’t take much, and the journey as well as the destination is fulfilling.

Dear God - I pray to be a living prayer throughout my waking hours and to go to sleep with a prayer of thanksgiving on my lips, and peace in my heart.