Today's inspiration asks us to consider who we are grateful for, suggesting that our slices do often feature those who are important in our lives - even those who share their influence around the edges of our being. I made this little puzzle sign to try to pin down the various segments of my life influences. They run the gamut from immediate and extended family, to friends and mentors at various stages of my life. Strong influences, like my parents who worked hard to provide for their four children, and like my husband who has always supported my dreams, to others who saw me through the tough times all parents face. Equally important are the gentle and subtle influences like teachers and church friends. There were sections here and there with a huge impact, and sections here and there with a smaller role, but not necessarily a lesser impact, those whose influences have nudged in from the edges. My slice: Sometimes you have to listen to your heart - and know that a simple "thank you" can lift someone else up. Consider someone from your past who you might reach out to - offer a note of thanks to a former teacher, friend, doctor, relative, neighbor, or co-worker who touched your life somehow. A couple of years ago I felt called to write a thank you letter to the doctor who delivered our daughter. I remember it was her 23rd birthday. I wrote that I was confident he wouldn't remember me because he was my doctor 20+ years ago. Well, he might possibly recall a patient who came in crying one day because she had to relocate to a new state and that wouldn't fit into her plan that he would deliver all of her babies. Yep, I really did that, so I was really hoping he didn't remember me, as you might imagine! My note of thanks to him was simple and from the heart because he took the time to ask if we'd pray with him right after our daughter was born. I know that our praises and prayers - both spoken and unspoken - that very day, within the first few moments of life, were indeed heard. We know He is at work always in our daughter's life. I'll never forget that. You might wonder what a busy doctor would do with a thank you note sent from a patient from two decades earlier. Well, he was delighted to know that his prayers that day had such an impact on us and that she is a strong Christian on her own following her dreams. That simple note started with just a nudge in my heart. Listen to your own nudges and follow through in your own way to offer gratitude. Gratitude unlocks the FULLNESS of life, it turns what we have into enough...and more...
4 Comments
Eliza Earhart
3/9/2017 09:44:22 pm
Gratitude is one of the quickest (research-based) ways to revolutionize your body chemistry, too. I keep meaning to write my gratitude letter to my elementary school librarian. Thanks for the inspiration!
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Vanessa Worrell
3/9/2017 10:26:17 pm
I know exactly what you mean when you talk about nudges of your heart. When my own mother was dying of cancer. She had people call her that she hadn't seen or talked to in years. They just thought of her... and called. Love this slice.
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3/10/2017 09:24:52 am
Gratitude is something that I think is a foundational value. I love that you were able to think about people who have impacted you. It was also nice to get a look into the people and places that have made you who you are...the puzzle idea was so fun!
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3/11/2017 02:27:26 pm
And the parts interlock to make a whole. Late in your life, the top row with thin out, Keep watch so as not miss late thank-yous
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