Appreciation is a Holy Thing

“I believe that appreciation is a holy thing, that when we look for what’s best in the person we happen to be with at the moment, we’re doing what God does; so in appreciating our neighbor, we’re participating in something truly sacred.” ~Fred Rogers, Commencement Address, Middlebury College May, 2001

I’ve been called a dreamer since I was a little girl with her nose in books, staring off into space daydreaming. It’s true. I was, and I am; but I like to think that my optimism is seeing the world through the lens of the wonder-filled, the magical.

It’s harder some weeks than others, when the world seems horribly off-balance. That’s when I try to remember to look around me, to remember those in my circle, who are close and far, whom I love. They remind me that there are seeds of hope in the small, beautiful moments we spend together–so many shades of love–and I truly believe that love is our greatest experience of the Sacred.

If I have had the honor of spending time with you–sharing a meal, a conversation, a drink, a story, a moment, a memory, thank you. Thank you for the gift of your time and for sharing a part of yourself. Happy Thanksgiving. Cheers.

Not Just On This Day

But every day, I am grateful for

the beauty of this life,

the quiet moments of awareness and peace,

the raucous moments of chaotic joy,

the love of family and friends,

the readers and listeners who allow my stories to engulf them,

the writers who have shared their words with me,

the creativity of so many artists who allow me to see and feel things anew,

the connections made possible by this modern life,

my Muse and the Mystery that compels me to write.

If we have ever shared anything:

a meal, a story, an adventure, or a conversation,

I thank you.