Valentine’s Day Gratitude

We are in the midst of a winter snow storm on this Valentine’s Day here in West Michigan. The snow will blow so fiercely I can’t see my neighbor’s house across the street one minutes then quiets a bit to swirl and dance outside my window the next. And it is cold! It is a good day to stay snuggled up inside.

Life challenges seem to ebb and flow much like that snow storm outside my window.

In some moments of my life, I’m not able to see my way through all that is blowing around me. I feel lost and just want to, and often do, retreat inside. Other moments the way is clearer for me to see and I am able to negotiate through the turbulence life brings and more readily find my way.

The reality is that storms do end and the sun does come out.

But, it can be very hard for me to remember this in the midst of life’s storms especially when I am worn down and exhausted trying to survive through it.

When I practice gratitude it helps me to find my way.

When my mind focuses on the blowing snow and I also notice the warmth and comfort of the home giving me shelter from the cold, I am grateful to all the people who’ve made this home possible for me to live in—from all those who assisted in building it some 26 years ago to all those who are working right now to heat it on this very cold day!

When I shift my focus in this way my heart lightens, my burden is not so heavy, I see more clearly what I have that can help me weather the storms that life brings.

The simple things in life really aren’t so simple once we pause to reflect on them.

I take so much for granted especially on the intensely stormy days of my life when I’m cold and worn, can’t see my way and am angry that it is storming to begin with!

As a teen I wondered if I would ever have a boyfriend to celebrate Valentine’s Day with. It seemed like it would never happen. It was a stormy period in my life. Today some 40 years later I am very grateful to have a wonderful caring husband to share this day and over 35 other Valentine Day’s with as well.

I am grateful to be weathering through the many stormy times of my life. I’ve learned much from and through them—especially how important gratitude is to help ground me in the present moment and provide me strength and courage to carry on.

What are you grateful for this Valentine’s Day?