Gratitude

I am grateful for the blessings of our recent vacation. It was an “Einstein vacation”—all relative(s)! After taking

Michael to grandma and grandpa’s, Sue Ann and I went to Mackinaw City, Michigan to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. That is where we spent our honeymoon, and we arrived there on the very same day we did in 1980—August 3. We couldn’t stay in the same hotel because it no longer exists due to considerable commercial development over the years. However, we did stay in the hotel which now stands in the same location as our honeymoon hotel. We thoroughly enjoyed our special time.

Then it was back to grandma and grandpa’s. One of my brothers lives just 40 minutes away from them, and we visited with him and his family. Meeting his first grandchild was a delight! The next day, as Sue Ann stayed with her parents, I picked up my brother and drove to North Carolina to visit my mother. The first three days we visited … not only with my mother and other brother, but with four of my sister’s children and all her grandchildren (six). Unfortunately my sister was not there because of business, but hopefully next time. The last two days was spent chipping away at the “to do” list, and more visiting!

Then it was back to Michigan, where we enjoyed Sue Ann’s parents and her oldest brother and his family. Sue Ann was also able to see her other brother and his family, including 3 grandchildren, while I was in North Carolina. Finally we made our way back home to Iowa.

Like I said, I am grateful for such a blessed time away. I am also grateful for the lesson in gratitude I received on the trip. My mom was an inspiring example of genuine thankfulness. Despite physical limitations and troublesome medical conditions, mom frequently expressed gratitude to God for His many blessings to her. That thankfulness

was clearly a heartfelt and continual response to the Lord. And the result? A radiant joy! Her example gave me

something to aspire to.

“Coincidentally” (i.e. providentially) my brother received a phone call while we were at mom’s from his mentor, a physician in Texas. He had recently read some research about the connection between mind and body and health. The researcher concluded that one of the most powerful factors for health a person can pursue is … gratitude!! It brings beneficial physical effects, the releasing of endorphins and other healthful hormones. Do you think God was trying to get my attention about the need to be thankful? The results of scientific research brought to my attention while I’m seeing a living example right before my eyes!

God punctuated this lesson for me after I got back home. I heard the briefest snippet of a radio interview with actor/ director/producer/author Henry Winkler. When asked how fun his current project was, Winkler responded

by saying he had learned that there are two pillars upon which anyone can build a meaningful life: gratitude and tenacity! Gratitude, again!

I am grateful for God’s blessings. By His grace I want to be more grateful.