An Invaluable Legacy

 This post is a special Extra Edition of the All Things Gratitude blog, in   celebration of the July 24th holiday.  
 Be safe and have a joyful weekend!       

         Throughout the Rocky Mountain west this is a weekend for firecrackers, rodeos and parades.  The Days of 47 are being celebrated--1847, that is, when Brigham Young and a vanguard company of Latter-day Saint pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley and began an earnest contest with the desert to make it "blossom as the rose." 
         Facing months of overland travel on foot, in covered wagons, and later, in hardcart companies, many stalwart believers left behind their former homes, sacrificing businesses, land, families and every imaginable comfort.  With a willingness to endure insufferable cold, hunger, thirst and fatigue they were determined to gather to Zion. Throughout the years of the Mormon Migration (1846-1868), members of these parties lost limbs, had toes amputated, and buried newborn babies and other loved ones on the plains.  But the long trek to their new home was only a part of the trial they faced.  After fording swollen rivers, traversing snow covered plains and slowly making their way through nearly impassable mountains, they would still need to establish a city, create an irrigation system, plant crops, battle swarms of crickets and make peace with the Indians.
         This weekend's Pioneer Day festivities celebrate their sacrifices and the victory of their arrival, yet tell us little of what each individual experienced.  Those very personal stories are contained in numerous diaries and letters, and are written in the hearts of their countless descendants.  Wherever you may live, if you are among that still faithful progeny, thank you!  Thank you for your steadiness and your example.  The legacy your loved ones left, and that you carry on, is a living witness to the world that that some things are worth everything--even our lives, if necessary.  Indeed, yours is an invaluable legacy of faith, industry, sacrifice, and obedience to prophetic counsel.
         In the past 164 years, the sacrifices made have been sanctified as missionaries have gone forth, meetinghouses and temples have been built, and rites of worship are regularly and reverently attended to.  Without question, the religion brought to the valleys of the west, those many years ago, is now blessing all the earth.
         So, this weekend, while we're enjoying the fireworks displays, picnicking in the canyons, marching in parades, or celebrating in any one of thousands of locations around the world, let us remember, with gratitude, those who came before us.  It was their devotion that sparked this annual event, and their sacrifices that have allowed the Latter-day Saints to enjoy so many sacred privileges every day of the year.

Traveling in Good Company

EXTRA--EXTRA:  I don't usually publish on Saturday, but since it's Pioneer Day weekend, here in the Rocky Mountain west, look for an extra post tomorrow.

Reminder:  If you've been keeping a Gratitude Journal for the past week, review your entries and savor all those wonderful reasons for being grateful.  Now, it's time to begin recording your gratitude just once a week.  Although, if you find you enjoy reminding yourself of the many reasons you have to be grateful, and you want to record your gratitude more often,  I say, "have at it!"        

         
         Kicking back and being a kid for awhile is great fun and I hope you had time to enjoy that, perhaps dormant, side of yourself.  As I mentioned in a previous post, there are lots of ways to tune into gratitude.  Today, let's explore another one.

             [Me and my traveling companion for the past 43 years]

         

         Life can be arduous, so be kind to yourself. Don't try to go it alone!  The Apostle Paul knew what he was talking about when he reminded the Corinthians, "neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:11).  Having a traveling companion can really help to manage the load with a lot less stress.  So, if you're married, take a moment to consider all the things your husband or wife does for you, and with you, to lighten your load and brighten your day.  In fact, as I'm writing this post, my husband is in the kitchen washing dishes--and I didn't have to ask.  How sweet is that?!

         HOWEVER, since all of us aren't married, a spouse isn't the only way to travel the road of life in loving company.  Close friends, family and neighbors can also be a special blessing, helping us to keep a balanced and grateful outlook.  It is well known, and backed by research, that people who have a social network of friends are more inclined to be happy than those who don't. 
          I have great friends, family and neighbors.  In fact, although I dislike the hot summers and cold winters here in the high mountain desert (let's face it, I MISS the ocean and my family and friends back east), I would have a hard time leaving my neighborhood.  Why?  Because my neighbors are the best!  Here, everyone watches out for everyone else, and people are so willing to share their time, talents and energy, that I sometimes feel overwhelmed by their generosity.  It's not unusual to hear the doorbell ring and find someone standing on the porch ready to share fresh vegetables or fruit from their back yard garden; and I can't seem to have a birthday without a neighbor/friend offering to take me out to lunch or bringing me a gift.  Because my husband has Parkinson's disease and is unable to climb ladders, perform strenuous work, or do tasks that require balance, neighbors have trimmed my trees, climbed on my roof to check my swamp cooler, fixed my fence, and shoveled my driveway in winter.  I've also wakened in the morning to find my son on the roof doing some necessary repairs, or mowing my lawn. 
          Gosh, that almost makes me sound needy. But, let's face it, we can all benefit from the help of others from time to time, and that's okay.  Our need gives someone else the opportunity to serve.  So, instead of being proud and pretending we can do everything on our own, or getting irritated that we can't, let gratitude abound that there are so many generous and giving souls among us.         
         Today, take a few moments to consider all the things others do for you.  Now, that ought to make you feel special! 
         Then, take another moment to make one of those people feel equally valued.  It's as simple as a call, a note or an e-mail, or stopping by their home (or desk, if it's a work mate) to say, "thanks for making life a more pleasant journey."  Or go whole hog and bake him cookies, invite her to dinner or send her flowers.  Though, seriously, acts of gratitude need not be elaborate.
          Friends are a treasure.  Today, let a friend, neighbor or family member know how much they're appreciated.  Bless a life by expressing your gratitude!

          Important Note: If you're not feeling so blessed, you're definately not alone. Sometimes life can throw some heavy stuff our way and we may feel alone and overwhelmed. I've been through some very stressful and lonely periods in my life, so I can honestly relate.  In fact, I found a wonderful download that might help you.  It's free, and contains some great suggestions for how to begin feeling better.  The author has given permission to share his material, so feel free to link into the following site and begin today to benefit from his knowledge.  The address is: www.heartmath.org/destresskit.   


TODAYS INSPIRED QUOTATION:
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.  For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up"  (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

Me (in the middle) and my friends Clyda and Marsha

These wonderful friends often lifted me as we were raising our children on the east coast. They still lift me! Oddly, and wonderfully enough, life has brought us back together again.  We now live fairly close to one another, even though we've all moved over 2,000 miles from our Connecticut homes.

  

Lookin' at Clouds

A new blog will be posted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Reminder:  Just wanted to remind you, if you haven't begun a Gratitude Journal, today is the perfect day to begin.  Remember, write a couple of things you're grateful for each day for a week, then begin recording an entry just once a week  (for more details, see Gratitude Is a Choosen Attribute, July 15th).   
Now, on to today's post:                       

          I hope you took the time on Monday, or since, to spend a few minutes remembering the joys of childhood and the things that made you happy way back then.  Today, I'd like to continue with a related topic: actually doing some of the things you used to do.

            If you're way old (like me) you may remember singer Judy Collins' 1967 hit, Both Sides Now. She sang of looking at clouds and recalling their illusions.  As kids we took the time to look at clouds.  Do you remember seeing dinosaurs, teddy bears, trees, and many other "illusions" of things from real life? I often think of cloud illusions as one of God's ways of saying, "Take a minute. Relax. Lay back on the lawn and enjoy my whimsical artwork."  I think God would like us to contemplate the grandeur of His creations and allow them to renew us.  He loves us and has devised many ways of telling us so.  Are we listening?

      A few days ago my grandkids were over.  I was outside swinging the 4 year old on the hammock, and the 8 year old was inside with his grandpa.  Through the open windows, I could hear him singing away as loud as could be.  That was a happy sound!  There are so many happy sounds, sites, smells and experiences related to childhood!  Like my grandson, I once sang at the top of my lungs to express my pleasure with life. I picked violets from lawns and fields; lounged under a tree, just to daydream; hopped over, raced through, skipped around, and jumped in puddles, and a whole lot of other fun things.

          One of the attributes I admire about my oldest son is that he is still connected to the kid inside.  He's a favorite with nieces and nephews because he knows how to have fun.  There is just something so charming, attractive and wonderful about someone who can relax and relate to the world with the eyes and heart of a child.  So, today, forget that you're a fully matured, staid and rational adult.  Let go a little and allow yourself to blow a BIG bubble with a piece of bubble gum. Color a picture in your kid's coloring book (then stop to smell the fragrance of the crayons on the paper). Blow soap bubbles with your kids or grandkids and notice the iridescence of each delicate orb just before it bursts.  Jump on a big piece of bubble wrap just to hear it POP, POP, POP, or sing at the top of your lungs (not in an elevator, of course, but someplace reasonable).

          Reconnect with that joyful part of your being.  It really is still there, inside you, and it will be thrilled to be let out for awhile.  And you will be grateful for the joy you feel as you allow yourself the pleasure of truly experiencing the wonder of life as you once knew it!

TODAY'S AWESOME BLESSING: 
The opportunity to write this blog.  I am feeling more balanced and joyful than I have for a long time.  My friend, Clyda tells me I was born to write.  I think there are many things that make life fulfilling, but for me writing truly is a need if I am to be whole.  So, Clyda, thanks for reminding me.  And Aubree, thanks for helping me to set up this blog.  That was a wonderful act of service that is blessing me, and my desire is that it will prove a blessing to those who visit this site and read what I have to share.
I hope every one of you has a thank filled day, and an opportunity to be a kid, just for a little while.

The Kid in All of Us

          Reminder:  Before I start today's post, just wanted to remind you, if you haven't begun a Gratitude Journal, today is the perfect day to begin.  Remember, write a couple of things you're grateful for each day for a week, then begin recording an entry just once a week  (for more details, see Gratitude Is a Choosen Attribute, July 15th).   
Now, on to today's post:                       

          There is a kid in all of us, and reconnecting to that inquisitive, fun-loving side of ourselves opens us to a sense of wonder and gratitude.  Do you remember blowing bubbles?  Swinging from a rope swing?  Dancing in the rain?  I sure do!  In fact, as I take time to savor those memories I'm blessed with a sense of calm that gives me great joy.  For each of us, remembering those light-hearted moments from childhood provides a relaxing and positive interlude--a precious few moments of renewal.

          Over the weekend, I found this photo in my computer archive, and it seemed to be perfect for what I wanted to write about today. Isn't this a magnificent tree?  You can imagine that it has been the place of shelter and play for thousands of kids for hundreds of years.  This particular picture is of my grandson and 3 of his English cousins.  Everyone of these children seems to have a different way of relating to the tree; and each is using imagination to make the most of it.  As a friend of mine said, "What kind of stories would that tree tell if it could talk?"   I honestly don't know, but I suppose many of them would be tales of adventure and daring.  That's the great thing about being a kid.  You imagine.

You dare to dream.  You just have FUN!

          Where did we lose all that?  Sure, I know the answer as well as you do.  It got left behind in the great rush of life, buried in the clutter of the thousand tasks that fill each day, run over in the traffice of the should do's, and oughtta be's, and gotta haves of adulthood.  STOP!  For just a few minutes today, STOP.   Stop and remember the joys of your childhood.  The things you used to love as a kid.  The simple stuff you took time for, and the way you let your imagination soar.

Today, take 5 minutes to remember.  It may be the best, most refreshing, gratitude filled 5 minutes of your day!

TODAY'S GENTLE ENCOURAGEMENT:

                                          Stop to Smell the Flowers!