There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild.
A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to lose. A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak up.
A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
{Ecclesiastes 3, New Living Translation}
We go through seasons in life -- the weather changes, both literally and figuratively. For a long time, I only enjoyed certain seasons. But as I've grown (both older and hopefully wiser), I've begun to realize the beauty of every season. There are certain comforts that can only be appreciated during times of harsh weather.
Gratitude is the perfect accessory for every season. It looks great with shorts and flip-flops on a sunny beach day.
It layers perfectly with boots, jeans, a cardigan and a scarf for fall, the time of the year where some coldness and darkness creeps in.
Gratitude tucks easily in with the layers of winter, to keep you warm.
And in the spring it works like an umbrella to shelter you from the downpours.
I may live with chronic pain. I may be chronically ill. But I can also choose to be chronically grateful.
Just as there is beauty to be found in every season, beauty year-round, there is always something for which to be grateful.
In good times and bad, I can choose to be filled with joy, not just pain; filled with gratitude, not just limitations.
What are you grateful for?
Beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for the seasons and the variety they bring. Grateful for music to match my every mood (or to help change my mood). Grateful for Brene Brown, who's work has profoundly touched me to the core this past week.
The seasons always remind me that something beautiful has to end before something just as beautiful can begin. Even though I will miss the warm weather, I am ready for the quiet comfort and rest that winter brings. Thank you for your lovely post!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! Adore the photos!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about past seasons in my life, and how much I now see God has brought out of the very darkest times. I would never have believed I would feel grateful for those seasons, but I am now.
Love you, Wendy
I am grateful for your soothing words and images; reminding me that I can choose to be filled with joy, not just pain and the reality of my limitations. Thank you, kindly.
ReplyDeleteOh Theresa, yes. I love how you worded that: "Something beautiful has to end before something just as beautiful can begin."
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Thank you so much! I love the inspiration your page provides.
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