Just as Spring is beginning to show its face the world seems to be coming to life again. This global pandemic has cost so many so much. However, as we grieve, we keep on growing too.
“I like to think of us all as a garden that is forever growing.”
I think the garden imagery feels accurate for so many reasons. The biggest reason is my decision to try to open my heart again. Petal by petal. It’s not easy. I’m sure if you’ve experienced heartache, you understand. But I’m recognizing how important it is to remain open to love of all kinds.
For the last year, our smiles have been covered. We’ve avoided hugs. We’ve cancelled plans. My hope is that soon we will see more and more smiles again. Healing takes time but it feels like this may be the beginning of that. At least for me. Losing my friend this winter was very hard. But her memory lives on in the joy I see in the world.
You might be asking me where the joy is. Ironically, that same friend jokingly told me that I see the world through rose tinted glasses. But I would argue that I strive to see the world through love tinted glasses as cheesy as you might think that sounds. I see joy in the ducks swimming together as I walk around the pond. I see joy in the stars. I see joy in sunshine when a rainstorm happens and I see joy in the rainstorm too.
In fact, one of my favorite memories was when I was gardening with my friends in Texas many years ago. I was drenched in sweat and exhausted just as the skies ripped open and a waterfall of rain fell upon us. Instead of running inside, I stood up and closed my eyes and opened my arms and just let the rain fall around me.
“My friends and I stood there laughing and just stood there like flowers thirsty for the rain.”
I feel that way about hope, love, and joy now. I feel like I’m just standing here with my arms wide open.
In what ways do you embrace gratitude on a daily basis? What brings you joy on a daily basis?
Gretchen McIntire
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